Slow Sand Filter Water Production Operator

Thames Water; Ashford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Slow Sand Filter Operator to join their team in Ashford. In this vital role, you will ensure the highest standards in the water treatment process, performing routine checks and maintenance on Slow Sand Filters. You will operate specialist mobile equipment and manage key processes to guarantee clean drinking water for the community. This position offers a rewarding work environment, full training, and excellent benefits, making it an ideal opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in water resources management.

Benefits

Annual Leave Starting at 24 Days

Health MOTs

Physiotherapy

Counselling

Cycle to Work Scheme

Shopping Vouchers

Life Assurance

Full Training Provided

PPE Provided

Qualifications

• A self-motivated attitude with discipline and a positive approach.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for team interaction.
• Willingness to undergo safety training.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine checks and maintenance of Slow Sand Filters.
• Operate specialist mobile equipment to ensure service delivery.
• Adhere to health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

Skills

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving

Self-Motivation

Basic Literacy

Basic Numeracy

Digital Skills

Education

7 Tonne Dumper Licence

Tools

360 Excavator

Loading Shovel

Sand Skimmer

Floatex Plant

GAC Separation Plants

Mobile Crane

Job description

We currently have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to take on the important role of Slow Sand Filter Operator. This will be working out of our Water Production Site at Ashford Common - TW15 1RU.

As a successful candidate, you will play a key part in the water treatment process here at Ashford Common. We are looking for someone who is going to take pride in the work that they and the team do every day, always striving for the highest standards.

You will be working in a small, dedicated team responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Slow Sand Filters (SSF) at our Water Treatment Works, to ensure the highest levels of clean drinking water to supply our customers in Reading and the surrounding area.

You will be performing a range of activities including routine checks, maintenance, and operating mobile plant to ensure service delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.

What you’ll be doing as the Slow Sand Filter Water Production Operator

• Routine checks, maintenance, and operating mobile plant to ensure service delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.
• Managing key processes such as skimming filters, removing/relaying granular activated carbon (GAC), and re-sanding SSFs.
• Operating specialist mobile equipment, including skimmers, loading shovels, dumpers, and excavators. Also operating Floatex plant (Sand Washer), GAC separation plants, and mobile crane.
• Maintaining site housekeeping, conducting plant checks, and performing maintenance tasks.
• Adhering to legal and company health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

Base Location: Ashford Common - TW15 1RU.

Working pattern: Monday – Friday 07:30-16:17, with every second Friday off (38 hours per week).

What you should bring to the role

• A self-motivated attitude with discipline, a desire to learn, and a positive, can-do approach. The role can be demanding but rewarding.
• Ownership in responding quickly to faults, curiosity to understand problems, and ability to find effective solutions promptly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for team interaction.
• Basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills.
• Willingness to undergo safety training.
• Preferably, hold a 7 Tonne Dumper licence or be willing to obtain one.
• Experience with 360 Excavator, Loading Shovel, and Sand Skimmer is advantageous but training can be provided.

What’s in it for you?

• A salary from £27,465 per annum, depending on experience.
• Full training and PPE provided.
• Annual leave starting at 24 days, increasing to 28 with service, plus bank holidays.
• Access to benefits supporting health, well-being, and finances, including health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.

Learn more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. Our goal is to build a better future for all by supporting our customers, communities, people, and the planet. We’re committed to making a difference and need passionate, skilled individuals to join us.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water offers a rewarding, diverse working environment where every day offers a new opportunity to make a difference. We provide career development, flexible working, and excellent benefits.

Whether in call centres, labs, or operational roles, we seek people with passion and a desire to improve.

If you’re seeking a sustainable career where you can impact millions and help protect water resources, we support you every step of the way. Join us to build a better future for our customers, region, and planet.

We value diversity and inclusion, removing barriers to success and offering support throughout the recruitment process. We also provide opportunities to support our customers directly as part of our team, with full training provided.

Disclaimer: Due to high application volume, we may close the advert early. Apply promptly to avoid missing out.