Leakage Technician

IES Utilities Group Ltd.; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

IES Utilities Group Ltd. is seeking an experienced Water Leakage Technician to support leakage detection and network performance across the North East. You will identify and locate leaks on trunk mains and distribution networks, reducing water loss and improving system efficiency.

You will work with operational teams, respond to customer reports, and record findings in client reporting systems, ensuring activities are completed safely and to client standards across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in leakage detection or water network operations.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Comfortable driving a company van.
• Strong health and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Carry out leakage detection activities across water networks.
• Identify and locate underground leaks on trunk mains and distribution networks.
• Investigate customer reports and anomalies to identify leakage issues.
• Assess leakage severity and recommend repair priorities.
• Record findings in client reporting systems and support performance targets.

Skills

Leakage detection

Data analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Tools

Acoustic listening

Correlators

Ground microphones

Pipe tracing

Job description

Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience

Location: North East

Contract: Permanent / Contract

About IES

IES Utilities Group is a leading UK utility provider delivering end-to-end multi-discipline solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, providing survey, design, construction and maintenance services nationwide. With a commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future-ready infrastructure networks across the UK.

About The Role

Due to continued growth within our Water Division, we are seeking an experienced Water Leakage Technician to support the delivery of leakage detection and network performance activities across multiple sites throughout the North East region.

The Water Leakage Technician will play a key role in identifying, locating and assisting in the reduction of water loss across the distribution network. Through planned leakage detection programmes and reactive investigations, you will utilise a variety of specialist techniques and technologies to minimise leakage and improve network efficiency.

Working closely with operational teams, repair crews, network technicians and client representatives, you will ensure leakage activities are completed safely, accurately and in accordance with company and client requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leakage Detection and Network Investigation

• Carry out proactive and reactive leakage detection activities across clean water distribution networks.
• Undertake leakage surveys using a range of detection methods including:
• Acoustic listening
• Correlation
• Step testing
• Acoustic logging
• Ground microphone surveys
• Pipe tracing
• Pressure analysis
• Identify and accurately locate underground leaks on both trunk mains and distribution networks.
• Investigate customer reports, network anomalies and high-consumption areas to identify potential leakage issues.
• Assess leakage severity and provide clear recommendations for repair priorities.
• Support network optimisation initiatives aimed at reducing water loss and improving performance.

Operational Delivery

• Plan and organise daily workloads to maximise productivity and meet client performance targets.
• Complete all required surveys, inspections and investigations within agreed timescales.
• Accurately record findings using client and company reporting systems.
• Support emergency response activities and out-of-hours investigations when required.

Asset Knowledge and Technical Experience

• Maintain a strong understanding of water distribution networks, pressure management zones, DMA operations and network hydraulics.
• Interpret network drawings, GIS data and utility records to support leakage investigations.
• Ensure all leak detection equipment is maintained, calibrated and operated correctly.
• Keep up to date with emerging technologies and best practices in leakage detection and water network management.

Health and Safety

• Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture across all activities.
• Ensure all works are completed in accordance with company procedures, client requirements and industry standards.
• Complete risk assessments and follow safe systems of work.
• Identify and report hazards, near misses and safety concerns.
• Carry out all duties with consideration for environmental impact and public safety.
• Complete a daily van check.

Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of water supply configurations, distribution networks and hydraulic principles.
• Technical expertise in methods used to account for water network usage and leakage management.
• Experience using leak detection equipment, acoustic logging systems, correlators, ground microphones and pipe tracing equipment.
• Understanding of DMA operations, pressure management and network performance monitoring.
• Ability to analyse data, interpret findings and accurately pinpoint leakage locations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to innovate and adapt in challenging situations.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to investigations.
• Good communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently across multiple sites.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, quality and customer service.

Qualifications

Essential

• Experience within leakage detection, water network operations or utility infrastructure.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Comfortable driving a company van.
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements when working on operational utility networks.

Desirable

• EUSR Water Hygiene Card.
• NRSWA Street Works Qualification.
• SHEA Water.
• First Aid at Work.
• Utility locating qualification.
• Experience working within water utility contracts.