Catchment Controller

United Utilities; Keswick; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26-30 days

Pension up to 14%

Bonus up to 7.5%

Healthcare plan

Gym discounts

Best Doctors

Salary Finance

Wealth at Work

Car scheme

Employee assistance

Mental health support

ShareBuy

Parental leave enhancements

Job summary

United Utilities is seeking a permanent, full-time role to operate and maintain catchment assets in the Thirlmere area, near Keswick, Cumbria. The job focuses on reservoir safety, water quality and catchment activities within the North area team.

You will build relationships with stakeholders, monitor reservoirs, deliver work programmes, and support environmental and heritage objectives while ensuring health and safety and regulatory requirements are met.

Qualifications

• Experience in Countryside or Environmental Management
• Good knowledge of water and land management
• Technical understanding of reservoir safety and design
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation on habitats
• Driving licence is required

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with catchment stakeholders and support sustainable land and water use
• Monitor reservoirs, catchments and assets, including 48-hour inspections, for safety and regulatory compliance
• Deliver catchment work programmes and ensure QA/MARS compliance
• Support action plans, DWSP reviews, data recording and incident responses
• Preserve heritage and ensure safe public access and visitor experience

Skills

Countryside management

Environmental management

Water and land management

Reservoir design

Hydraulics

Civil engineering

Drinking Water Safety Plan

Visitor access management

Driving licence

Education

Role-relevant formal academic training

Job description

Job number UU06427 Country United Kingdom Region Cumbria Location name Thirlmere Forestry, Thirlmere, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TQ Posting End Date 28/09/2026 Band 6a Role Type Permanent Salary £40,232

Salary - £40,232
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Thirlmere Forestry, Thirlmere, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TQ
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours -

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

Job Purpose

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.