Alarm Optimisation Technical Assistant

Pennon Group; Plympton; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services. Pennon Group is a leader in the UK water sector and supports an Alarm Optimisation Technical Assistant to back a major rationalisation programme across SPS and STW sites.

The role is fixed-term for an initial 1 year. You will use Power BI, Datamart and Strumap to track performance, produce reports, and support workshops with site teams.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or equivalent in engineering, environmental science, computer science or information systems.
• Strong analytical and data management skills with experience in industrial data workflows.
• Experience with SCADA or similar industrial control systems; proficient in Excel and Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Use tools to support performance tracking and reporting.
• Produce clear reports on alarm distribution, nuisance alarms, and action rates.
• Identify anomalies and escalate issues to the OT Technician or Alarm Optimisation Manager.
• Provide administrative and technical support during workshops, site reviews, and training sessions.
• Liaise with Waste Area and Treatment/Pump Managers to gather site-specific information.
• Maintain clear communication with Control Room and field operations staff regarding rationalisation progress.
• Support the delivery of rationalisation milestones across SPS and STW sites.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, databases, and audit trails.
• Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data management

SCADA

Excel

Power BI

Data visualisation

Attention to detail

Documentation

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent

Tools

Power BI

Datamart

Strumap

Job description

Analysis - Use tools such as Power BI, Datamart, and Strumap to support performance tracking and reporting. Produce clear, accurate reports on alarm distribution, nuisance alarms, and action rates. Identify anomalies and elevate technical issues to the OT Technician or Alarm Optimisation Manager. Stakeholder Support -Provide administrative and technical support during workshops, site reviews, and training sessions. Liaise with Waste Area and Treatment/Pump Managers to gather site-specific information. Maintain clear communication with Control Room and field operations staff regarding rationalisation progress. Project Delivery - Support the delivery of rationalisation milestones across SPS and STW sites. Maintain accurate project documentation, databases, and audit trails. Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.

What we are looking for, HNC/HND or equivalent experience in a relevant technical discipline (e.g., Engineering, Environmental Science, Computer

Science, Information Systems, Strong analytical and data management skills. Experience working with SCADA systems or similar industrial control systems. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, and data visualisation tools. Excellent attention to detail and documentation accuracy. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We're one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services
• And plenty more!

Join a

forward-thinking team driving operational excellence and innovation in wastewater management.

Closing Date: 23rd September 2026 Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are: Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on. Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.

JBRP1_UKTJ

Job DescriptionPowered 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. A unique opportunity has arisen for an Alarm Optimisation Technical Assistant to support the delivery of a major rationalisation and optimisation programme across all Sewage Pumping Stations (SPS) and Sewage Treatment Works (STW). The role is being offered on a fixed-term (initial 1-year SPS phase