Leakage Detection Technician

South East Water; Barcombe; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stakeholder pension (up to 10%)

20+ holidays incl. bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy to buy/s/

Volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing related benefits

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a Leakage Technician to locate hidden leaks and protect our water resources. You will analyse DMA plans, use noise logging equipment, and perform diagnostics on the network while coordinating with internal teams and customers.

Join a supportive team, work a structured 37-hour week on a Monday–Saturday rota and contribute to fast, effective leak responses. Prior leakage detection experience and relevant qualifications are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience with leakage detection techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of leakage network operations, valves, flushing and mains tracing.
• Ability to perform Step Tests where applicable.
• Street Works qualification required.
• National Water Hygiene (Blue Card) certification required.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and locate hidden leaks.
• Assist customers in resolving supply pipe leaks and other plumbing issues.
• Maintain knowledge of leakage network operations and related equipment.
• Liaise with SEW Distribution teams and contractors on leak repairs.
• Coordinate with SEW Customer Contact Centre and Production teams on leakage activities.
• Support during interruptions or incidents affecting water supply.
• Update asset databases and input data into Nomad, GIS and corporate systems.

Skills

Leakage detection techniques

Leakage network operations

Step Tests

Communication skills

Education

Street Works qualification

National Water Hygiene (Blue Card)

Job description

Summary

Are you a natural problem-solver who takes pride in seeing every job through to the end? If you thrive in a collaborative environment and want to make a tangible impact on the environment and local communities, a rewarding career awaits you at South East Water. We are on a mission to be the water company people truly want to be supplied by and work for, and we are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team as Leakage Technicians. In this dynamic and essential role, you will be on the front lines of protecting our precious water resources. Every single year, South East Water strives to hit ambitious performance targets set by our regulator, OFWAT. As a Leakage Technician, you will play a vital part in meeting these goals by deploying your problem-solving abilities and sharp initiative to hunt down and locate hidden leaks across our vast Distribution Network. Equipped with the latest technologies and innovative detection methods, you will carry out a comprehensive suite of leakage detection activities. Day to day, your work will involve analyzing District Metered Area (DMA) plans and data, deploying advanced noise logging equipment, and conducting precision step testing. Your sharp diagnostic skills will be crucial as you assess complex network challenges on the ground and implement the most effective, lasting solutions. Beyond routine detection, your expertise will serve as a critical frontline response during operational incidents or supply interruptions, helping restore vital customer water supplies as quickly as possible. While a solid background in leakage network distribution water operations is preferred, you will never work in isolation. You will join a supportive, close-knit team backed by an accessible management structure dedicated to your success. This full-time position offers a structured 37-hour work week on a shift rota operating between Monday and Saturday, with all schedules provided well in advance so you can maintain a great work-life balance. Step into a role where your technical skills, determination, and teamwork directly shape the future of our water network.

Main responsibilities

• Investigate and locate hidden leaks.
• Assist customers in resolving supply pipe leaks and other plumbing issues.
• Maintain knowledge of leakage network distribution water operations, pressure reducing valves, valve operations, flushing, mains tracing.
• Liaise with South East Water Distribution teams and their contractors on leak repairs.
• Liaise with South East Water Customer Contact Centre, Production teams and other South East Water employees on Leakage team activities.
• Liaise with and assist SEW customers as required.
• Support when interruptions or incidents affect customer water supply.
• Update the asset data base where errors found in the field.
• Maintain knowledge and experience of leakage detection activities and competent in the use of leakage detection equipment.
• Meet administrative requirements of the role (e.g. inputting work onto Nomad, GIS and other corporate systems).

Skills / Qualifications / Experience (Essential)

• Experience of leakage detection techniques, including correlators, ground microphones, pipe tracing and enigma loggers.
• Knowledge of leakage network distribution water operations, pressure reducing valves, valve operations, flushing, mains tracing.
• Knowledge how to carry out Step Tests (if appropriate).
• Street Works qualification.
• Trained in National Water Hygiene (Blue Card).
• Have good communication and customer service skills.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience (Desirable)

• Previous Leakage Detection experience or knowledge would be advantageous.

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.

Benefits package

• 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.

Compensation package

£32,000 - £40,000

Be you, belong and valued.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We supply top-quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England.

Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day.

It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards.

We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

• Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
• We'll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
• A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
• Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.

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.