Production Operative

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

Benefits offered by this job

Family-Friendly Leave

Company Pension Scheme

Health & Wellbeing programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Professional Development

Inclusion & Belonging networks

Salary review

Job summary

South Staffordshire Water is seeking a practical Production Operative for their Cambridge Water operations based at Fleam Dyke Water Treatment Works. You will help operate water production assets and ensure a safe, reliable supply of drinking water.

The role involves inspections, maintenance, water quality sampling, and site management across treatment works, pumping stations and reservoirs. Suitable for candidates with utilities, agriculture, manufacturing or engineering backgrounds who want to

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence.
• Tractor licence (including hitching and reversing).
• Experience in a practical operational, maintenance or field-based environment.
• Good understanding of safe working practices.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using mobile devices/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 in water, utility, environmental or process industries.
• NVQ Level 2 in Water Process Operations (or equivalent).
• EUSR National Water Hygiene Card.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Strong communication

Teamwork

IT literacy

Manual dexterity

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 You will need

Essential

• 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.