Catchment Operator

South West Water; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

Healthcare Benefits

Professional Development

Employee Discounts

Generous Annual Leave

Job summary

South West Water Limited in Plymouth is recruiting a Catchment Operator to join our Treatment team. You will carry out on-site monitoring, maintenance and respond to site conditions to ensure safe, compliant operation and protect the environment.

This full-time, permanent role offers 37 hours per week, with standby and weekend rotas after training. Level progression 1–5, with salaries rising to £36,011 at Level 5.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and a Science subject.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• A positive, proactive approach and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Carry out on-site monitoring and maintenance to ensure site operation and compliance.
• Respond to site conditions and monitoring information to protect the environment.
• Store and handle chemicals in line with COSHH, QMS and safety standards.
• Use the iSCADA control system.
• Adhere to schedules, rules and procedures.
• Liaise with colleagues to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Assist customers and escalate queries as needed.
• Participate in standby, call-out and weekend rotas.
• Travel within the region and support other areas when required.

Skills

Driving Licence

MS Office

Outdoor work

Willingness to learn

Problem solving

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths, English & Science

Job description

Powered 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.

Location:

Plymouth

Salary:

£27,523 per annum + standby/weekend working allowance

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Enjoy working outdoors, solving problems and making a tangible impact every day?

We are currently recruiting a Catchment Operator to join our Treatment team in Plymouth.

Levels range from 1 to 5, with salaries increasing to up to £36,011 at Level 5.

Core hours are 37 hours per week, with a 1 in 5 standby and call-out/weekend working rota once training is complete.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Carrying out on-site monitoring and maintenance to ensure effective site operation and compliance requirements are maintained
• Responding effectively to site conditions and monitoring information to ensure compliance is maintained and the environment is protected
• Storing and handling chemicals in accordance with COSHH, QMS procedures and relevant Health & Safety standards
• Using the iSCADA control system
• Adhering to schedules, business rules and procedures
• Liaising with colleagues and other areas of the business to ensure accuracy and efficiency
• Dealing effectively with customer queries when approached directly and escalating where appropriate
• Participating in standby, call-out and weekend working rotas
• Travelling throughout the region and supporting other operational areas when required

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience in a practical role would be beneficial, although full training will be provided
• 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and a Science subject
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• A positive, proactive approach and willingness to learn

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to build a rewarding long-term career while making a real difference to the communities and environment we serve. As a Catchment Operator, you'll play a vital role in delivering an essential public service, ensuring wastewater is treated safely and efficiently to help protect local rivers, coastlines and the natural environment. Whether you're bringing experience from a practical outdoor role or looking for a new career path, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed. With a clear progression structure, ongoing development opportunities and the chance to increase your salary as your skills and responsibilities grow, this is a role where you can develop your future while helping to protect the environment for generations to come.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary – Based on experience and skills
• Bonus Scheme – Rewarding your performance
• Pension Scheme – Helping you plan for your future
• Healthcare Benefits – Access to employee assistance programs
• Professional Development – Support for career growth with training opportunities
• Employee Discounts – On various products and services
• Generous Annual Leave – Take time to recharge with our holiday entitlement

Closing Date: 17th November 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.

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 yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future

Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.