LeatsPerson South West Water · Operations and Field Work · Tavistock

AquaCare, Company; Tavistock; Remote; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave

Pension with company contribution

Life Assurance

Health Cash Plan

Cycle to Work

Discounts and savings

Job summary

South West Water Limited is seeking a hands-on Leatsperson to maintain and operate civil assets supporting water supply and hydro-generation across Devon and Cornwall. This practical outdoor role suits someone who enjoys problem solving, can work independently, and contributes to a wider team.

You will use traditional and modern maintenance techniques on watercourses, reservoirs and intakes, with a focus on safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an operational, maintenance, estates or construction environment.
• Strong understanding of health and safety best practice.
• Good communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Maintain watercourses and assets using materials such as stone, concrete and timber.
• Carry out reservoir and watercourse safety inspections and intake maintenance.
• Undertake grounds maintenance including grass cutting and vegetation management.
• Operate plant, machinery and vehicles including excavators and pumps.
• Maintain buildings, grounds and equipment associated with water operations.
• Assist with mechanical asset cleaning and adjustment at reservoirs, intakes and trash rake systems.
• Support maintenance teams across the wider operational area.
• Manage stores and spare parts to support operational readiness.

Skills

Practical maintenance background

Communication skills

Health and safety awareness

Independent and team work

Problem-solving and prioritisation

Driving licence (UK)

Outdoor work year-round

GCSEs including Maths English Science

Education

GCSEs including Maths, English and Science

NVQ Level 2 in Estates Maintenance or related

Plant and machinery qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office applications

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?

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

At South West Water, our people are the heart of everything we do. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, bring their best every day and feel truly valued. That's why we offer a diverse benefits package designed not just to reward, but to empower you to live well, both at work and beyond.

Our benefits include:

• 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.