Water Quality Scientist

Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a Water Quality Scientist to join their dynamic team focused on public health through water quality management. The role involves conducting risk assessments, leading audits, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates should have experience in risk assessment, strong communication skills, and a relevant degree. This position offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service

Generous pension scheme through AON

Health and wellbeing benefits

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Experience in risk assessment and water quality.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build stakeholder relationships.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and company systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk assessments at Water Treatment Works to meet regulatory obligations.
• Lead Drinking Water Safety Plans Audits and analyze water quality data.
• Manage Hazard Review meetings and facilitate identification of mitigation measures.

Skills

Risk assessment

Water quality

Communication skills

Stakeholder relationship-building

Proactive attitude

Education

Degree in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

DWSP IT

EQUIS

Sample Manager

Job description

This role is part of a dynamic and fast-paced team focused on protecting public health through the delivery of a wholesome water supply. You will be responsible for assessing risks at Water Treatment Works (WTW) to meet regulatory obligations related to Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs). Your expertise in drinking water quality and water treatment will be essential as you carry out Regulation 27 DWSP risk assessments to identify residual risks requiring mitigation. You will lead Water Treatment Works Drinking Water Safety Plans Audits (DWSPAs), analyzing water quality monitoring data alongside other datasets to determine risks, and participate in sessions to validate and identify emerging risks.

What you’ll be doing as a Water Quality Scientist

You will assist in managing Hazard Review (Haz Rev) meetings to review risks for water treatment assets, contributing to meeting content and facilitating the identification of mitigation measures.

• Use the company's bespoke DWSP IT system to ensure accurate data capture and reporting of risk assessments, both internally and to regulators.
• Complete annual Drinking Water Safety Plan Audits (DWSPAs) of water treatment works.
• Utilize site audit information and other data to complete risk assessments, presenting findings at Haz Revs.
• Develop expertise in drinking water quality, water treatment, and regulatory requirements related to DWSPs.
• Lead the Water Quality Risk Review process to validate existing risks and identify emerging ones, escalating significant risks as needed.

Base location:

Flexible, with willingness to travel across Thames Valley and London.

Working pattern:

36 hours/week; hybrid working model.

Requirements for the role:

Valid UK driving license and willingness to travel.

What you should bring to the role

• Experience in risk assessment and water quality.
• Degree or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline (desirable).
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and company systems like DWSP IT, EQUIS, Sample Manager.
• Proactive attitude and ability to manage workloads.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary between £30,000 and £40,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Generous pension scheme through AON.
• Benefits supporting health, wellbeing, and finances, including health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work, vouchers, and life assurance.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. Our mission is to build a better future for all by helping our communities, people, and the planet thrive. We seek passionate, skilled individuals committed to making a difference and advancing our goals.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water offers a rewarding, diverse workplace where every day presents new opportunities to make a difference. Enjoy fast-tracked career growth, flexible working, and excellent benefits. We welcome applications from everyone and support inclusivity throughout the recruitment process. Join us in supporting our customers, especially during crises, with full training provided for ambassador roles. Apply soon—our advert may close early due to high volume of applications.