Catchment Controller

United Utilities; Diggle; Remote; GBP 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Pension up to 14%

Up to 7.5% bonus scheme

Healthcare plan

Gym discounts

Best Doctors

Salary Finance

EVolve Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Plan

Mental health first aiders

ShareBuy

Enhanced parental leave

Job summary

United Utilities' Waterhead Water Treatment Works in Oldham is seeking a permanent, full-time specialist to operate, monitor and maintain catchment assets across the North area. The role focuses on reservoir safety, water quality and compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

You will build stakeholder relationships, oversee 48-hour inspections, manage capital and maintenance programmes, and support incident response while promoting public access and heritage protection.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in Countryside or Environmental Management.
• Wider business experience is desirable.
• Good working knowledge of water and land management.
• Technical understanding of reservoir design and safety.
• Technical understanding of hydraulics and civil engineering.
• Understanding of Drinking Water Safety Plan approach to water quality risk management.
• Knowledge of visitor and countryside access management and related legislation.
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation on species and habitats.
• Good range of practical countryside management skills.
• Ability to drive and hold a valid driving licence.
• Role may require License To Operate (LTO) training and standby duties.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor and maintain catchment assets to ensure safety and regulatory drivers are met.
• Build relationships with catchment stakeholders and support sustainable land and water use.
• Monitor reservoirs and assets, including 48-hour inspections, for safety and compliance.
• Deliver catchment work programmes and progress operational actions.
• Support DWSP reviews, data recording, and incident responses.

Skills

Countryside management

Environmental management

Water and land management

Reservoir design and safety

Hydraulics and civil engineering

Drinking Water Safety Plan

Visitor access management

Wildlife legislation knowledge

Driving licence

Job description

Job number UU06629 Country United Kingdom Region Manchester Location name Waterhead Water Treatment Works, Holgate Street, Off Culvert Street, Oldham, OL4 2JW Posting End Date 20/10/2026 Band 6a Role Type Permanent Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary £38,462

Salary - £38,462
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Waterhead Water Treatment Works, Holgate Street, Off Culvert Street, Oldham, OL4 2JW
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

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.

• 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
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

The Role

To operate, monitor and maintain all catchment assets within the North area catchment team. This includes impounding reservoirs, boreholes, river intakes, aqueducts, land, built and natural heritage and any associated infrastructure to ensure internal, external and statutory, regulatory and mandatory drivers for reservoir safety, water quality, catchment activities, public access and operational efficiency as well as health and safety are achieved.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Build strong relationships with catchment stakeholders, manage events, and support activities that enhance the company's reputation and promote sustainable land and water use.
• Monitor reservoirs, catchments and assets—including 48-hour inspections—to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, emergency readiness and protection of raw water quality.
• Deliver and maintain catchment work programmes (capital, revenue, maintenance), ensure compliance with QA, MARS and legislative requirements, and progress operational actions.
• Support wider teams by contributing to action plans, DWSP reviews, data recording, and providing prompt responses to operational or environmental incidents.
• Preserve natural and built heritage, ensure safe public access, manage visitor experience, and work with security partners to address anti-social behaviour on catchment land.

What We Are Looking For:

• Practical experience in Countryside or Environmental Management
• Wider business experience
• Good working knowledge of water and land management
• Technical understanding of reservoir design and safety
• Technical understanding of hydraulics and civil engineering
• Understanding of the Drinking Water Safety Plan approach to water quality risk management
• Working knowledge of visitor and countryside access management and related legislation
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation on species and habitats
• Good range of practical countryside management skills
• Able to drive and hold a valid driving license
• The successful candidate will also be expected to undertake role-relevant formal academic training to achieve the required License To Operate (LTO) status.
• The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in a regular weekend reservoir inspection rota and will be required to participate in a formal standby rota.
• The successful candidate may be required to support other areas of the team from time to time upon request

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.