Process Scientist

South East Water UK; Pembury; Hybrid; GBP 31,733 - 41,930; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 6 weeks with service

Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Well-being related benefits

Job summary

South East Water UK is seeking a Process Scientist for its Water Quality department in Pembury. This role involves optimizing water treatment processes, investigating quality concerns, and preparing detailed technical reports. Candidates should possess relevant scientific qualifications, have knowledge of water treatment, and be adept at technical writing.

Offering a salary between £31,733 and £41,930, the successful candidate will enjoy flexible working arrangements and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in a scientific subject or relevant water-based experience.
• Knowledge of water treatment processes essential.
• Experience writing technical reports is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and a full clean driving license required.

Responsibilities

• Optimize performance and efficiency of water treatment processes.
• Investigate compliance and operational water quality breaches.
• Conduct site process audits in a timely manner.
• Prepare technical reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Provide technical support and out of hours water quality cover.

Skills

Knowledge of water treatment processes

Technical report writing skills

Strong communication skills

Experience in a water-based role

Education

Degree in a scientific subject

Job description

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.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

Main Responsibilities

• Optimize 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.
• Provide technical support and advice to the business.
• Provide standby Water Quality cover out of hours for the business.

Qualifications & Skills

• 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 licence.

Additional Requirements

• Legal right to work in the UK.
• Background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

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.
• Well‑being related benefits.

Compensation

£31,733 – £41,930 depending on experience.

Equality & Inclusion

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.

Recruitment Process

It is necessary 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.