Water Quality Officer (Shifts)

United Utilities; Mealsgate; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company is seeking a dedicated professional to manage the sampling process for regulatory compliance. The role involves collecting and testing water samples, ensuring adherence to quality standards, and providing excellent customer service. Candidates should have relevant qualifications and experience in water treatment and customer interaction. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits, including a performance-related bonus and generous leave.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 after four years

Up to 14% employer pension contribution

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness discounts

Employee Assistance Plan

Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ level 2 or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science.
• Basic computer skills for data entry.
• Maintain up-to-date Continuous Professional Development (CPD) records.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prioritize sampling tasks for regulatory compliance.
• Collect water and wastewater samples from various sources.
• Perform and interpret field tests and ensure timely data submission.

Skills

Customer Service

Problem Solving

Team Working

Communication

Education

NVQ level 2 or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science

Job description

Salary - £33,355

Work Type - Onsite

Job Location - Quarry Hill Water Treatment Works, Mealsgate, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 1AE

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.

Benefits

• 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
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
  
  

Job Purpose

To manage and carry out the process of gathering samples for regulatory and operational purposes including the undertaking of field testing activities in accordance with UKAS accreditation. To carry out all field tests for DWI and EA in compliance for regulation standards. Take samples and conduct field tests in order for the business to provide evidence to external stakeholders and regulators. Samples are taken from all points from ‘bath to bay' and ‘source to tap' to include but not limited to process samples, compliance samples, environmental samples, mains repairs, customer complaints, incidents and events. On collection samples are transported (either directly or indirectly) to a laboratory for testing.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Coordinate and prioritise daily planned and reactive sampling tasks, liaising with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and appropriate job allocation for regulatory, non-regulatory, and ad hoc requirements.
• Collect water and wastewater samples from a wide range of sources (‘source to tap’ and ‘bath to bay’), including compliance, environmental, customer complaints, and business projects, while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and quality procedures.
• Ensure health, safety, and security compliance by conducting risk assessments, following protocols, and applying appropriate sampling methods, especially in non-standard or specialist scenarios (e.g. confined spaces, CALM).
• Perform and interpret field tests (e.g. pH, chlorine levels, taste and odour), submit accurate data using electronic devices, and ensure timely delivery of samples to the laboratory in line with UKAS, DWI, EA, and company standards.
• Deliver excellent customer service by engaging positively with customers, explaining test results clearly, mentoring colleagues, and maintaining high standards of documentation and equipment calibration.
  
  

Technical Skills & Experience

• Experienced in dealing with difficult customers whilst being able to provide information and advice to customer queries
• Able to maintain and update UKAS and DWI accreditation standards and practices
• Able to work on their own initiative and have excellent problem solving skills
• Basic computer skills to data entry is essential
• Basic knowledge of disinfection principles, water and wastewater treatment
• Maintain relevant and up to date Continuous Professional Development (CPD) records to meet the requirements of DWI regulation 16
• Team working and communication skills will be an integral requirement for the role.
• A high degree of social skills for working in a customer orientated environment
• Understanding of CW regulators and regulations including ISO 5667, ISO 17025.
  
  

This role may not be eligible for the visa sponsorship

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ level 2, or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science
  
  

A full driving licence is required to carry out this role

Additional Information

This is a shift role working a 2 week rotating pattern, week 1 Monday to Friday 13:00 - 21:00, week 2 Tuesday to Saturday 07:00 - 15:00, this role includes working bank holidays. A shift premium is applicable for this role. There is no contractual overtime or standby with this role, however there may be opportunities to help cover standby and overtime.

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.