Environmental Monitoring Technician

South West Water Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus

Training & development

Pension

Job summary

South West Water Limited is seeking an Environmental Monitoring Technician for Exeter and the Countess Wear area. This full-time, permanent role involves outdoor fieldwork, sampling, and reporting to central teams, with a mix of field and desk duties in varied weather conditions.

Responsibilities include responding to water pollution incidents, data entry, and technical reporting, with an emphasis on accuracy and adherence to procedures.

Qualifications

• Preferably educated to degree level in Biological or Environmental Sciences with understanding of water chemistry and parameters.
• Experience in a scientific environment (fieldwork, lab analysis or environmental compliance) is essential.
• Experience with aquatic macro-invertebrate sampling/identification to family level is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Attend and investigate water pollution incidents across Cornwall and Devon.
• Undertake field monitoring including water quality measurements and sampling.
• Perform desk-based data entry after field collection.
• Prepare technical reports for water pollution incidents within procedural deadlines.
• Follow a planned work programme when not attending pollution incidents.
• Maintain equipment and keep vehicles clean; flag new equipment needs.

Skills

Biological/Environmental degree

Scientific fieldwork

Macroinvertebrate sampling

Analytical skills

MS Office proficiency

UK driving licence

Right to work in UK

Education

Degree in Biological or Environmental Sciences

Tools

MS Office

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.

Ready to make a splash?

We currently have an opportunity available for an Environmental Monitoring Technician covering Exeter and based in Countess Wear. Joining us on a full-time, permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary of £30,322 to £32,747 per annum plus excellent benefits.

About The Role

As our Environmental Monitoring Technician, you will respond to potential water pollutions carrying out various onsite sampling and monitoring duties including the reporting of the information back to the central teams as per procedures. The majority of the role involves being outside in all weather conditions and can be physically demanding having to walk varying distances, carrying equipment and working in and around water therefore an enthusiasm for the outdoors is essential.

What you’ll be doing as our Environmental Monitoring Technician:

• Attend and investigate water pollution incidents throughout the Cornwall and Devon area
• Undertake field monitoring work including water quality measurements and sampling
• Undertake desk-based data entry after collecting data in the field
• Technical report writing in response to water pollution incidents, time limited in accordance with procedural client requirements
• Undertake a planned work programme when not attending pollution incidents
• Maintain all equipment for site and maintain cleanliness of vehicle to a high standard and inform line manager if new equipment is needed
• Provision of accurate and timely information to line management
• Support the team performance by sharing knowledge and best practices at all levels
• Attend regular team meetings and contribute where appropriate
• Any other duties for which the post holder is qualified and able to carry out
• Participation in an out of hours pollution response rota.

What We Are Looking For

• Preferably educated to degree level in a Biological or Environmental Sciences discipline and demonstrate an understanding of water chemistry and the indicative parameters
• Experience of working within a scientific environment such as scientific fieldwork, laboratory analysis and/or environmental compliance is essential.
• Ideally possessing experience of aquatic macro-invertebrate sampling and aquatic macro-invertebrate identification skills to Family level.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills are essential and be competent with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Possess a full, clean, UK driving licence
• An enthusiasm for working outdoors is essential.
• Right to Work in the UK
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team, following precise protocols
• Motivated, friendly and confident interacting with different parties.
• An understanding of the role of regulators such as the Environment Agency

What's In It For You

We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• Scientific Progression Scheme
• A discretionary Bonus
• Opportunities for training and development
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services

Closing Date

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.

Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:

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.