Operational Technology at South West Water

From the moment water is treated to when it reaches homes and businesses, a complex system is constantly monitoring, adjusting and responding in real time.

Often unseen, Operational Technology (OT) sits at the heart of operations - connecting physical assets with digital systems to ensure everything runs safely, reliably and efficiently, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It’s fast-paced, highly technical and increasingly critical as demand grows for smarter, more resilient infrastructure.

But while the technology is impressive, it’s the people behind it who make the real difference - bringing expertise, problem-solving and innovation to essential services.

Meet Dan – OT Programme Manager

Dan Tree’s story is a powerful example of how a career in Operational Technology can evolve. Starting as an ICA (Instrumentation, Control and Automation) apprentice in Plymouth, he’s built a 20-year career, rising through the ranks to become an Operational Technology Programme Manager.

As Dan developed his skills, the OT team grew alongside him:

“We began in Operational Technology as a relatively small team, and since then it’s expanded significantly to what it is today.”

His progression has been underpinned by continuous development, combining practical experience on the ground with formal competence-based training and broader corporate qualifications, culminating in a Level 6 Business Management degree:

“We have excellent progression pathways within OT. I started as an apprentice and now report to the Head of Operational Technology. A lot of the management team have done the job that the engineers have done – there’s a lot of mutual respect between everyone”

"The business has always invested in me, which I appreciate, the opportunities are amazing really, some that I wouldn’t have had if I wasn’t here.”

For Dan, it’s not just the work that stands out:

“What I like about my role, it’s the people. I actually do love the people. We have a great team, and everyone supports each other. You always know you can call someone, you never feel alone.”

“I’ve made a lot of friends at South West Water. We have a good laugh.”

Why OT Matters

Compared internally to the nervous system of a living organism, OT is essential for ensuring that all parts of the system are working together efficiently and effectively, and any disruption or malfunction in this system can have serious consequences.

The team play a critical role in keeping essential services running -ensuring water quality, maintaining supply and responding to real-time challenges.

OT Jobs at South West Water

With his experience, Dan explains the range of opportunities within OT.

OT Engineers

OT engineers deliver and upgrade systems across sites, working directly with the technology that keeps operations running.

They install and maintain instruments that monitor flow, pressure and water quality, while setting up networks and communications between systems. The role also involves fault-finding, root cause analysis and process improvement—helping keep critical services running.

Technical skills:

Electrical or instrumentation and control background

Automation systems and PLCs

Telemetry, networks and fault finding

SCADA Engineers

SCADA engineers work at the ‘top end’ of OT, where data and systems come together.

They configure and manage platforms that allow teams to visualise performance across sites, ensuring accurate, real-time data. As Dan explains, SCADA provides “the visuals, trends and historic data” that support decision-making.

Technical skills:

Databases (e.g. SQL) and data visualisation

SCADA, telemetry and PLC configuration

Understanding of operational data and system performance

OT Service and Assurance

These teams support the infrastructure behind OT systems, ensuring everything is secure, stable and reliable.

Working with servers, networks and system configurations, they maintain the backbone that supports data and top-end control systems - particularly important as cybersecurity and data integrity continue to evolve.

Technical skills:

IT background (servers, networks, infrastructure)

Telemetry configuration and SCADA administration

Cybersecurity and system resilience

Why Choose a Career in OT?

A career in Operational Technology offers a unique blend of engineering, IT and problem-solving. It’s a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same, with opportunities to work across a wide range of sites and systems.

With continued investment in technology, automation and cybersecurity, it’s also an area that is constantly evolving - creating strong opportunities for learning, development and progression.

As Dan describes it, OT is “the brain of the plant”, controlling the systems that keep everything running. It’s a role with real responsibility, where your work has a direct impact on essential services.

Alongside technical expertise, the team looks for people who are: