Bioresource Process Operator

United Utilities; Wigan; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

26% shift premium

Pension scheme

Performance bonus

Healthcare plan

Gym discounts

EVolve car scheme

Employee Assistance Plan

ShareBuy

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a Process Operator (Shift-based) in Wigan to monitor and operate wastewater treatment processes, ensuring environmental compliance and asset reliability. You will work outdoors, take ownership of your workload, and contribute to continuous improvement while maintaining a strong safety culture.

Collaborating with Process Controllers, Production Managers, and engineers, you will perform routine tasks, respond to issues, and record all work for reporting.

Qualifications

• Valid UK driving licence is essential.
• Practical experience in an operational environment with bioresource assets.
• Strong commitment to site safety and ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor biotreatment processes to meet regulations and targets, including sampling and readings.
• Carry out outdoor, physically demanding tasks and planned maintenance while handling reactive work.
• Raise and manage proactive and reactive work orders to maintain asset reliability.
• Use data to identify underperformance and report issues to supervisors.
• Accurately record and report all planned and reactive work using scheduling systems.
• Work safely at all times in line with health and safety policies.

Skills

Driving licence

Operational experience

Data recording

Communication

Job description

Process Operator (Shift-based) | Wigan| £32,376 plus 20% shift premium

We're looking for a Process Operator to join United Utilities on a permanent basis at our Wigan site. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a dedicated operational team responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of bioresource treatment assets that support local communities and protect the environment.

This is a varied, hands‑on role that combines routine operational activities with reactive problem‑solving in an outdoor environment. Based from our Wigan site, you'll work across bioresource treatment assets within your area, taking ownership of your workload and playing a vital role in maintaining operational performance.

The Role

As a Process Operator, you'll be responsible for monitoring, operating, and supporting wastewater treatment processes to ensure environmental compliance, asset reliability, and operational efficiency.

The role requires a practical and self‑motivated individual who is comfortable working independently, making informed decisions, and responding effectively to changing operational demands. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and you'll be expected to maintain high standards while contributing to a positive safety culture across the site.

Working closely with Process Controllers, Production Managers, Field Service Engineers, and contractors, you'll support the day‑to‑day operation of treatment assets and help identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate and monitor a range of biotreatment processes to meet environmental regulations and business performance targets, including sampling, readings, process analysis, and performance monitoring in line with UWWTD and MCERTS requirements.
• Carry out physically demanding operational tasks in an outdoor environment, completing planned operational and maintenance activities while responding effectively to reactive work arising from asset or process failure.
• Identify, raise, and manage proactive and reactive work orders, applying practical judgement to address asset failures, process issues, and performance concerns to maintain asset reliability and operational effectiveness.
• Use operational data to identify underperformance, report exceptions, and elevate operational issues and risks to Process Controllers or the Production Manager where required.
• Accurately record and update all planned and reactive work using corporate scheduling and work management systems, ensuring clear and timely reporting.
• Work safely at all times in accordance with health and safety legislation, safe systems of work, and internal company policies.

What You'll Bring

• A valid UK driving licence, essential for accessing operational sites.
• Practical experience in an operational environment, with knowledge of bioresource treatment assets and processes.
• A strong commitment to site safety, with the confidence to challenge unsafe practices and follow procedures consistently.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, supported by strong communication, resilience, self‑motivation, and practical decision‑making skills.
• Basic IT skills and a good understanding of data recording, reporting, and electronic communication.

Why This Role

This role offers the chance to develop a rewarding career in a business that invests in its people. You'll gain hands‑on experience across a diverse range of treatment assets, build valuable technical expertise, and work towards recognised operational licences and accreditations.

Working within a supportive team, you'll enjoy variety, autonomy, and the opportunity to make real decisions that directly impact operational performance and environmental compliance. Every day brings new challenges, making this an ideal opportunity for someone looking to grow their skills while contributing to services that make a difference to communities across the North West.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave rising to 30 days with service, plus bank holidays *consolidated into a total annual leave allowance reflective of your shift work arrangements
• 26% shift premium added to your basic salary.
• Competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution
• Performance related bonus up to 7.5%
• Company funded healthcare plan
• Gym discounts and digital fitness benefits
• Salary Finance, Wealth at Work courses and employee discounts
• EVolve car scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan and mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy and MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Note: At United Utilities, we believe people are more than just applications. Every application is personally reviewed by our recruitment team and hiring manager. We do not use AI or automated screening tools to assess applications.