Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

Environment Team | South West Water
Location: Peninsula House, Exeter (with hybrid working)
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000

Help deliver environmental improvements across the South West

We're looking for a highly organised Permitting Co-ordinator to play a key role in delivering environmental and water quality improvement projects across our wastewater network.

Working as part of our Environmental Permitting Team, you'll help ensure that wastewater discharge permits remain accurate and compliant as major capital projects are delivered. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys managing multiple priorities, working with a wide range of stakeholders, and making a tangible contribution to environmental protection across the region.

What you'll be doing:

As a Permitting Co-ordinator, you'll coordinate permitting activities from project concept through to completion, ensuring regulatory requirements and project timescales are aligned. You'll work closely with Engineering Project Managers, environmental specialists and the Environment Agency to support the delivery of key environmental programmes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating environmental permitting activities for engineering and capital projects.

• Gathering and managing site information to support permit updates and applications.

• Acting as a key point of contact between project teams and the Environment Agency.

• Monitoring permit applications and identifying potential risks to project delivery.

• Tracking progress and reporting on water quality projects within the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).

• Maintaining accurate permit records, project trackers and supporting documentation.

• Providing wider support to the Environmental Permitting Team as required.

What we're looking for:

You'll be someone who thrives on organisation, can manage competing priorities and enjoys building effective working relationships.

You'll ideally have:

• Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.

• Experience managing multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Confidence using Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and Outlook.

• Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Desirable

• Experience within wastewater, environmental or civil engineering environments.

• Awareness of environmental permitting and regulatory processes.

• An interest in environmental protection and sustainability.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to contribute to projects that improve water quality and protect the environment across the South West. You'll join a supportive team, gain exposure to major infrastructure and environmental programmes, and develop valuable experience working with regulators and technical specialists.

If you're looking for a role where organisation, collaboration and environmental impact come together, we'd love to hear from you.

At South West Water, we believe in rewarding our people for their hard work and dedication. As our Permitting Coordinator you'll enjoy:

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

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