LeatsPerson

South West Water; Tavistock; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

South West Water is seeking a Leatsperson to maintain and operate our water supply and hydro‑generation assets across Devon and Cornwall. This outdoor role suits hands‑on problem solvers who can work independently while contributing to a wider team.

You will inspect watercourses, maintain reservoirs and related assets, and support stores and maintenance activities across the region. A full UK driving licence and GCSEs are required.

Qualifications

• Experience in practical operational maintenance or construction settings.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Solid health and safety knowledge and practices.
• Ability to work alone or within a team effectively.
• Good problem solving and workload prioritisation.
• Valid UK driving licence held.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather year round.
• GCSEs including Maths, English and Science.

Responsibilities

• Maintain watercourses, leats, sluices and related assets.
• Carry out reservoir and watercourse inspections and maintenance.
• Carry out grounds maintenance tasks such as grass cutting and vegetation control.
• Operate plant, machinery and vehicles (e.g., excavators, pumps, chainsaws).
• Maintain buildings, grounds, and equipment related to water operations.
• Assist with mechanical asset cleaning and adjustments at reservoirs and intakes.
• Support maintenance teams across the wider area.
• Manage stores and spare parts to ensure readiness.

Skills

Operational maintenance experience

Communication skills

Health and safety knowledge

Independent and team work

Problem solving

Full UK driving licence

Outdoor year‑round work

GCSE Maths/English/Science

Education

GCSEs including Maths, English, Science

NVQ Level 2 in Estates Maintenance or related

Plant and machinery qualifications

Tools

Microsoft 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.

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? Join our team today.

About The Role

At South West Water, we are committed to delivering safe, reliable drinking water to the communities we serve while protecting the natural environment around us. As a Leatsperson, you will play a vital role in maintaining and operating the civil assets that support our water supply and hydro-generation infrastructure across Devon and Cornwall.

Working across some of the South West's most beautiful landscapes, you'll use traditional and modern maintenance techniques to ensure watercourses, reservoirs, intakes and associated infrastructure remain safe, operational and compliant. This is a practical, outdoor role suited to someone who enjoys hands‑on work, problem solving and working independently while contributing to a wider team.

What You'll Be Doing

• Maintaining and repairing watercourses, leats, sluices and associated assets using a variety of materials including stone, concrete, timber, metal and granite.
• Carrying out reservoir safety inspections, watercourse inspections and intake maintenance activities.
• Undertaking grounds maintenance duties including grass cutting, tree felling, fencing and vegetation management.
• Operating a range of plant, machinery and commercial vehicles including excavators, dumper trucks, pumps, chainsaws and grass-cutting equipment.
• Maintaining buildings, grounds, plant and machinery associated with water operations.
• Assisting with mechanical asset cleaning and adjustment activities at reservoirs, intakes and trash rake systems.
• Supporting maintenance teams as required across the wider operational area.
• Managing stores and spare parts to support operational readiness.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience working in a practical operational, maintenance, estates or construction environment.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong understanding of health and safety best practice.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good problem‑solving skills and the ability to prioritise workloads effectively.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to work outdoors year‑round in varying weather conditions.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science.

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Estates Maintenance, Building Work or a related discipline.
• Plant and machinery qualifications.
• Masonry and carpentry skills.
• Knowledge of environmental management practices.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of the Dartmoor area and surrounding locations.
• Willingness to participate in standby arrangements when required.

Why Join South West Water?

South West Water Benefits

• 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service.
• Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme.
• Competitive Pension Scheme with company contribution matching.
• Life Assurance.
• Group Income Protection.
• Enhanced family leave for maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.
• Share schemes, including discounted share purchase and share matching opportunities.
• Health Cash Plan.
• Free annual Flu Vaccination.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing 24/7 wellbeing support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Car Share Scheme.
• Give As You Earn charitable giving scheme.
• One paid Volunteering Day per year.
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts and savings.

Closing Date: 16th November 2026

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.