Leakage Detection Technician

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

Benefits offered by this job

Stakeholder pension

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy

Volunteer days

Cycle to work

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a Leakage Technician to hunt down and locate hidden leaks across the Distribution Network using advanced detection tools and data analysis.

You will work a 37-hour week on a shift rota from Monday to Saturday, collaborating with internal teams and contractors to restore water supplies quickly and efficiently.

Previous leakage experience is desirable, and you will join a supportive team committed to delivering reliable water services to communities.

Qualifications

• Experience with leakage detection techniques and equipment such as correlators and ground microphones.
• Knowledge of leakage network distribution water operations and valve systems.
• Familiar with Step Tests and field data collection methods.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and locate hidden leaks across the distribution network.
• Assist customers with leaks and plumbing issues.
• Maintain knowledge of leakage operations and equipment.
• Coordinate with SEW Distribution teams and contractors on leak repairs.
• Update asset databases and input work onto Nomad and GIS systems.

Skills

Leakage detection techniques

DMA data analysis

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

Street Works qualification

National Water Hygiene (Blue Card)

Tools

Nomad

GIS

Job description

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).

Experience and skills

• 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

Desired experience

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.

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 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.

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.

Compensation package

£32,000 - £40,000