Process Scientist

South East Water; London; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a Process Scientist to ensure the efficient management of water treatment works. This role involves data analysis, site investigations, and collaborating with technicians to address water quality issues. Candidates should have a scientific background, experience in technical report writing, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The position offers a competitive salary with extensive benefits, including generous holidays and a stakeholder pension scheme.

Benefits

Stakeholder pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing related benefits

Qualifications

• Degree in scientific subject or water-based experience required.
• Experience in technical report writing preferred.
• Self-motivated and organized with problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimise water treatment processes and investigate compliance breaches.
• Conduct site audits and prepare technical reports.
• Provide out-of-hours support for water quality.

Skills

Knowledge of water treatment processes

Strong communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Degree in a Scientific subject

Job description

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Summary:

Do you have knowledge of water process science?

Can you interpret data and turn it into easy-to-understand information? Are you looking for a role that has variety?

If the answer is yes, this is a chance to take the next step in your career…

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

In this role as a Process Scientist in our Water Quality department, you will be instrumental in the safe and efficient management of our water treatment works. A key aspect of the position is close collaboration with Distribution Technicians, providing them with expert guidance on water treatment procedures. Additionally, you will be responsible for detailed monitoring of data trends and the systematic investigation of anomalies.

Your ability to apply a logical, methodical approach will enable you to effectively investigate water quality concerns and advise on the most appropriate corrective actions.

Every day is different in this role - you’ll be carrying out a mix of data analysis and on-site investigation of water quality failures at our Kent water treatment sites. Your scientific background and water treatment experience will enable you to effectively troubleshoot and determine the root cause of these issues. You will also be responsible for technical report writing, including recommendations for compliance and investigation documentation; therefore, experience in technical report writing is preferred.

You’re self-motivated, well organised and enjoy problem solving. We’re a friendly, open and collaborative team that will give you lots of encouragement to share your ideas and make a difference to the success of our growing Process Science team.

This role is based at our Pembury office, with site visits around the Kent area and some home working. Standard working hours are 8:30-5pm - you will also be put on a standby rota to cover out of hours support.

Main responsibilities:

• Optimise the performance and maximise the efficiency of water treatment processes.

• Investigate the cause of compliance/operational water quality breaches. Provide a comprehensive report detailing the findings and conclusions of the investigation.

• Undertake water treatment works site process audits in a timely manner.

• Prepare technical reports with conclusions & recommendations as required.

• Provision of technical support and advice to the business.

• Provide standby Water Quality cover out of hours for the business.

You'll need:

Skills / Experience / Qualifications

• A degree in a Scientific subject or experience in a water-based role.

• Knowledge of water treatment processes.

• Technical report writing skills.

• Strong communication skills.

• A full, clean driving license.

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

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.

What can you expect from your recruitment?

• To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website.

• 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.

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package:

£31,733 - £41,930 depending on experience

Join our team:

Be you, belong and valued.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

Can't find a suitable opening?

Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.

About Us

We supply top-quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England.

Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day. It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards.

We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future.

What you get from working with us:

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

• Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
• We’ll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
• A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
• Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.