Production Operative

Cambridge Water; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family-Friendly Leave

Company Pension Scheme

Health & WellbeingProgramme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Professional Development

Job summary

Cambridge Water, part of South Staffordshire Water, is hiring a Production Operative at Fleam Dyke Water Treatment Works in Cambridge. The role focuses on operating and maintaining water production assets to ensure safe, reliable drinking water supply.

You will perform inspections, sampling, and routine maintenance across treatment works and related sites, working both independently and as part of the Operations team. Prior experience in similar environments is valued.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence required.
• Tractor licence with hitching and reversing capability.
• Experience in practical operational, maintenance or field-based roles.
• Knowledge of safe working practices.
• Basic IT skills and comfort with mobile devices.
• Strong communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
• Experience handling and storing chemicals safely.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems or pumping equipment is desirable.
• Experience in water, utility, environmental or process industries.

Responsibilities

• Support safe operation and maintenance of water treatment and production sites.
• Carry out planned inspections across Water Treatment Works, Reservoirs, Booster Pumping Stations, Source Stations, Valve Complexes.
• Monitor site condition and report issues.
• Coordinate chemical deliveries to sites.
• Undertake routine water quality sampling and testing.
• Assist with sludge management and waste removal.
• Clean and disinfect reservoirs, tanks and assets.
• Coordinate contractor access and ensure safety requirements.
• Maintain housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Work with Technical Operators and other teams.
• Participate in weekend duties on a rota basis.

Skills

Driving licence

Tractor licence

Operational environment experience

Safe working practices

IT skills with mobile devices

Communication & teamwork

Independent working

Handling chemicals safely

Hydraulic/pumping knowledge

Water/utility industry experience

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Water Process Operations

EUSR National Water Hygiene Card

Job description

Salary: £30,368,52 per annum (DOE) | Company Benefits

Location: Cambridge

Contract: Full Time | Permanent | 40 hours per week

About Us

South Staffordshire Water, which operates across two regions as Cambridge Water and South Staffs Water is a privately-owned regulated water only company.

South Staffs Water supplies a population of nearly I.3 million. The area of supply stretches from the edge of Ashbourne in the north, to Halesowen in the south, and from Burton on Trent in the east, to Kinver in the west.

The Role

We're looking for a practical, hands-on Production Operative to join our Operations team based at Fleam Dyke Water Treatment Works.

As a Production Operative, you'll help maintain and operate key water production assets across the Cambridge Water network, ensuring customers continue to receive a safe and reliable supply of drinking water.

Working both independently and as part of a wider operational team, you'll carry out routine inspections, maintenance activities, water quality sampling and site management tasks across treatment works, pumping stations, reservoirs and associated assets.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop a career within the water industry while playing a vital role in protecting public health and supporting essential infrastructure. Whether you have experience in utilities, agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, site operations or maintenance, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting the safe operation and maintenance of water treatment and production sites.
• Carrying out planned inspections and maintenance activities across: Water Treatment Works, Reservoirs, Booster Pumping Stations, Source Stations, Valve Complexes
• Monitoring site condition and reporting operational issues.
• Managing and coordinating chemical deliveries to operational sites.
• Undertaking routine water quality sampling and testing activities.
• Assisting with sludge management and waste removal processes.
• Cleaning and disinfecting reservoirs, tanks and associated assets.
• Coordinating contractor access and ensuring site safety requirements are met.
• Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and environmental compliance.
• Working closely with Technical Operators and other operational teams.
• Participating in weekend operational duties on a rota basis.

What We’re Looking For:

• Full UK driving licence.
• Tractor licence, including hitching and reversing capability.
• Experience working in a practical operational, maintenance or field-based environment.
• Good understanding of safe working practices.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using mobile devices and digital systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks and manage a varied workload.
• Experience handling and storing chemicals safely.
• Knowledge of basic hydraulic systems or pumping equipment.
• Experience within the water, utility, environmental or process industries.
• NVQ Level 2 in Water Process Operations (or equivalent).
• EUSR National Water Hygiene Card.

We value attitude and potential and will provide training and development opportunities for the right candidate.

What You'll Get

• Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days
• Financial & Life Assurance: Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options
• Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents
• Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers
• Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more
• Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.

At South Staffordshire Group, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies.

We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientations, and physical and neurodiverse abilities.

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and encourage you to let us know how we can best support you throughout the recruitment process.