Catchment Scientist

South East Water; Detling; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional water services provider is seeking a dedicated Catchment Scientist in Kent to lead vital investigations under the Water Industry National Environment Programme. The role is vital for enhancing environmental protection by mitigating pollution risks in drinking water production areas. Key responsibilities include data collection and collaboration with environmental agencies to ensure safe water sources. The ideal candidate will have a relevant scientific degree and an interest in environmental management. Competitive salary up to £27,000 p.a. based on experience.

Benefits

Stakeholder pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing related benefits

Qualifications

• Degree or relevant work experience in environmental science.
• Interest in environmental management and pollution factors.
• Awareness of water quality standards and regulations.
• Full, clean driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Collect samples from catchments including rivers and boreholes.
• Manage hydrometric data from loggers and gauges.
• Collate and analyze monitoring data to determine pollution sources.
• Represent the company at external events.
• Help produce reports on catchment management activities.

Skills

Environmental management understanding

Data analysis

Organizational skills

Flexible workload management

Education

Relevant environment/scientific degree

Job description

Overview

Summary : South East Water is seeking a dedicated Catchment Scientist to lead vital investigations supporting our commitments to the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). This role is central to protecting and enhancing the natural environment by managing pollution risks within drinking water production areas and safeguarded zones. Based in the Kent region, you will coordinate and execute monitoring programmes across groundwater and river catchments, combining field-based data collection with desk-based analysis to identify pollution hotspots and build a clear picture of catchment health. You will work collaboratively with the Environment Agency, Natural England, and other water companies to ensure our water sources remain protected. You will partner closely with Catchment Advisors to translate scientific findings into effective environmental solutions and community engagement activities. If you are passionate about environmental stewardship and ready to turn data into action, we encourage you to apply.

Main responsibilities

• To collect samples from South East Water catchments including rivers and boreholes in line with all Water Industry National Environment Programme requirements.
• To download and manage hydrometric data from borehole loggers, rain gauges etc.
• To collate, analyse and interpret monitoring data to accurately determine sources of pollution.
• To represent South East Water at relevant external events and conferences.
• To help to produce reports on our catchment management activities.
• To represent the Environmental Team at meetings.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• A relevant environment / scientific focused degree or relevant work experience and an interest in science.
• A good understanding and/or some experience either through work or study of environmental management and factors contributing to the pollution of drinking water.
• An awareness of water quality standards and regulations.
• Methodical and conscientious in your approach.
• Being highly organised, you'll be able to respond to change and show flexibility in managing your workload.
• Full, clean driver's licence.
• Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

Insights on inclusion and equal opportunities

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That's why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

What to expect from your recruitment

To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career's website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation

up to £27,000 p.a. (dependent on experience)