Network Engineer

Southern Water; Worthing; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Water is seeking a proactive Network Engineer to oversee and manage sewer network operations in Worthing. The role involves investigating sewer incidents, ensuring health and safety compliance, and liaising with customers to manage expectations. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer numerous benefits including a company van, training, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Company van for business use

25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

BUPA cash plan cover

Free annual flu jab and eye test vouchers

Pension contributions up to 11%

Employee assistance program

Performance-related bonus

Discounts with over 800 retailers

Study support for job-related qualifications

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Fundamental knowledge of sewer systems required.
• Experience in reactive sewers process is essential.
• Skills in incident management vital for success.

Responsibilities

• Manage and review site activities related to sewer incidents.
• Conduct field investigations and identify root causes.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Education

BTEC / HNC in Civil Engineering

Tools

CSMS

Ellipse

Job description

Closing Date
2025-06-10
Job Title: Network Engineer

Job Type: Permanent

Location: East Worthing (West Sussex Region)

Hours: 37

Salary: Up to £45k depending on skills and experience

We are looking for a proactive, IT literate individual to join us here at Southern Water as a Sewer Network Engineer in the West Sussex area.

This role will involve the management and review the site activities of Southern Water contracting partners carrying out reactive work on wastewater infrastructure assets to ensure that work is undertaken in accordance with health and safety requirements, contract conditions, design specifications, other company rules and regulations, relevant legislation and construction best practise as well as ensuring the Southern Water customers and the general public is effectively managed throughout.

Key activities include the conduct of field investigations into various Sewerage related incidents such that solutions can be identified and appropriate action taken to resolve these issues.

The Network Engineer is a key link between the Operational Sewerage Teams and Asset Teams to ensure that day to day operational issues and Sewerage related incidents are understood and appropriate maintenance put in place.

Problem Solving:

• The Network Engineer will be required to carry out investigations into sewer incidents and identify root causes.
• They will be required to recommend remedial works required to address problems to ensure there are no repeat incidents.
• They will be required to take ownership and escalate as required to ensure appropriate actions are taken.

Accountabilities:

• Internal Flooding & Pollution Incidents - Key activity incident dependant, estimate 35%-time utilisation
• The role will be area based and will require Network Engineer's at the request of their Team Leader, the control desk, the Pollution Team and/or the Reactive Sewers Management team attend to Flooding incidents and Pollution incidents.
• On internal flooding incidents they will be required to liaise with the customer during the incident keeping them informed as to the actions our service providers are taking to resolve incidents, manage the customer's expectations, and advise them on any recourse they may be entitled to as a result of any damages and inconvenience.
• On Pollution incidents they will be required to liaise with the EA and the pollution team and the Service Provider to ensure that pollution incidents are resolved quickly with the minimum impact to the environment and the public.
• They will be required to work closely with the EA in all aspect of the incident and ensure that the correct categorisation of the pollution is assigned by the EA. Sewer Incident Investigations - Estimate 35%-time utilisation.
• The Network Engineer will also be a key link between the Operational Sewerage Teams and Asset Teams to ensure that day to day operational issues and Sewerage related incidents are understood and appropriate maintenance put in place.
• They will be required to take on cases of sewer related incidents to investigate root causes and identify corrective actions required in terms of investment or maintenance regimes.
• They will use data such as CCTV footage, still images and SW records.
• There will be a requirement to work closely with the Reactive Sewers Capa Investigation Technician Asset Manager to identify hot spot areas and repeat blockages etc are resulting on escalating reactive work costs which may be better responded to with a longer-term solution requiring investment approval.
• Investigation will also extend in such areas as infiltration, land drainage and un-lawful connections.

• A proactive approach is required from the Network Engineer's in terms of future prevention of blockages.

• This will include making the customer aware of nuisance related issues such as the effects of rodents; fats oil and grease have in causing blockages. Regulatory Reporting, M.I & Data Quality verification - Time utilisation 20%.

• The role will require a level of administration to be carried out to ensure reporting and regulatory obligations are met. Typically, this will involve the verification of SIRF, PIRF and Red Line MGIS sketches.

• The Network Engineer will be responsible for ensuring the data quality and accuracy on these documents meets the company required standards for the operational areas they are responsible for.

• Governance - Time utilisation 10% - To ensure our service partners are performing to the required SW standards the Network Engineer will be required to regularly visit sites to record progress and resolve issues.

Critical requirements of the job:

• A fundamental knowledge of sewers systems is required.
• A functional knowledge of the Reactive Sewers end to end process.
• A functional knowledge of the SIRF, PIRF & MGIS process is required.
• A functional knowledge of CSMS & Ellipse is required.
• An understanding of NRSWA legislation is required.
• Skills and Competencies on reactive incidents critical behaviours will be to provide the customer/public and EA confidence and assurance that an incident is being handled efficiently and effectively and that their best interest are being addressed.

Qualifications:

• BTEC / HNC in Civil Engineering and substantial experience OR minimum of extensive years relevant experience.

As well as a competitive salary package, we also offer the below benefits:

• A company van (for business use only) which you can take home, and a fuel card
• All necessary PPE, tools, uniform and training to excel in your career at Southern Water
• 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• BUPA cash plan cover (with options to upgrade for family coverage)
• Free annual flu jab and eye test vouchers
• Pension contributions up to 11% (depending on your contribution)
• An employee assistance program
• A network of sports and social clubs
• Company and performance-related bonus
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• Competitive maternity & paternity leave and flexible return to work options
• Cycle to work scheme

Does this opportunity excite you but you're not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that 'normal' office hours aren't possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can't accommodate every flexible working request, we'll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?

Privacy Statement:

Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your manager is aware of your application.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.