Water Network Leakage Technician – Proactive Detection

United Utilities; Penrith; On-site; AUD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contrib.

Healthcare plan

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a dedicated Leakage Detection Technician to support the Water Network in achieving leakage targets and customer commitments. You will carry out proactive and reactive leak detection across DMAs/DMZs, deploying various methodologies to locate water losses.

You will collaborate with the NMA to repair leaks safely, ensure timely resolutions, and maintain high customer service standards while following health and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in the operation of water networks and leakage detection techniques.
• Able to demonstrate the competency to work as part of a high performance team.
• GCSE grade C or above or equivalent technical qualifications.
• Demonstrable water network technical experience, including leakage detection and repair.

Responsibilities

• Carry out proactive and reactive leak detection activities across the network using specialist techniques.
• Investigate, manage and repair leaks on water network and customer premises.
• Analyse flow, pressure and water quality data to identify concerns and prioritize leakage activities.
• Work with repair, maintenance and network teams to minimise disruption and support incident response.
• Complete risk assessments and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Ensure all work is undertaken safely and in line with policies.

Skills

Leak detection techniques

Water network operation

Communication

Teamwork

Education

GCSE grade C or above

City & Guilds

Tools

Leakage detection equipment

Job description

Salary - £36,620

Work Type - Onsite

Job Location - Penrith Newtongate Depot, Newtongsate Industrial Estate, Penrith, CA11 0AB

Role Type - Permanent

Employment Type - Full Time

Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

Job Purpose

To support United Utilities (UU) Water Network to deliver against its regulatory targets and customer promises for leakage control.

To be accountable for proactive and reactive leakage detection activities within District Meter Areas (DMAs) and Upstream within District Meter Zones (DMZs). This will involve the deployment and assessment of appropriate leakage detection methodologies, depending upon the technical requirements of the area being assessed.

Work in close liaison with the Network Maintenance Alliance (NMA) to ensure the timely and efficient repair and resolution of leakage issues as well as being accountable for proactive private leakage detection to resolution.

Accountable for raising the correct repairs through to the NMA as well as supporting the NMA through the repair process to ensure that they are undertaken in a safe, customer focused, timely and cost effective manner.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Carry out proactive and reactive leak detection activities across the network using a range of specialist techniques and technologies to identify and locate water losses.
• Investigate, manage and escalate leaks on both the water network and customer premises, raising repair work and supporting the resolution process through to completion.
• Analyse flow, pressure and water quality data to identify areas of concern, prioritise leakage activities and support network performance improvements.
• Work closely with repair, maintenance and network operations teams to minimise disruption, reduce abortive excavations and support incident response activities.
• Complete risk assessments, red-lining activities and other operational tasks in line with company procedures, safety standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all work is undertaken safely and effectively, maintaining compliance with health and safety policies, PPE requirements and vehicle standards.
  
  

What We Are Looking For:

• Knowledge and experience in the operation of water networks and leakage detection techniques
• Able to demonstrate the competency to work as part of a high performance team whilst having a proven record of achieving goals, objectives and scorecard measures
• GCSE grade C or above, City and Guilds, or ability to demonstrate technical and customer skills
• Demonstrable water network technical experience, including leakage detection and repair
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective influencing and negotiation skills
• Strong customer service focus and be able to resolve customer issues
• This role requires a full driving licence
  
  

What We Offer:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
  
  

About UU:

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.