Trainee Water Treatment Engineer

SMS Environmental Ltd; Oxford; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Fuel card

Uniform provided

Training programme

Career progression

Job summary

SMS Environmental is hiring a Trainee Water Treatment Engineer in Oxford for a permanent, full-time position. You will work with experienced engineers, receive industry-leading training, travel to customer sites and gain hands-on experience in water hygiene and treatment.

No previous water treatment experience is required as full training is provided, and you will develop practical skills while delivering high-quality service. A UK driving licence and right to work in the UK are required.

Qualifications

• No prior water treatment experience required; training provided.
• Strong practical, hands-on approach and problem solving.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Holds a full UK manual driving licence and right to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Carry out planned water hygiene tasks across customer sites.
• Perform water flushing, temperature monitoring and disinfection where needed.
• Inspect and maintain storage tanks and systems and TMV inspections.

Skills

Hands-on

Communication skills

Driving licence (UK)

Willingness to learn

Tools

iPad

Job description

Trainee Water Treatment Engineer

Oxford| Permanent | Salary up to £26k

Looking to build a career rather than just find another job?

If you're practical, enjoy hands‑on work and want to learn a specialist trade with full training and genuine opportunities to progress, we'd love to hear from you.

Join SMS Environmental, one of the UK's leading independent water hygiene specialists, and begin your career in an industry that helps keep buildings and water systems safe and compliant across the UK. As a Trainee Water Treatment Engineer (which internally is known as a Critical Maintenance Engineer), you'll work alongside experienced engineers, receive industry-leading training and gain valuable hands‑on experience across a variety of customer sites. No two days are the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys practical work, travelling to different locations and learning new skills. Whether you're starting your career or looking for a fresh challenge after working in a hands‑on or trade‑based role, we'll give you the support and training you need to succeed.

What you'll be doing

As part of our Engineering team, you'll carry out planned water hygiene and water treatment activities, including:

• Temperature monitoring
• Water flushing
• Cleaning and disinfecting shower heads
• Inspecting and cleaning water storage tanks and systems
• Thermostatic Mixing Valve (TMV) inspections and maintenance
• Recording completed work using our in‑house software on an iPad
• Working across a variety of customer sites, you'll build specialist knowledge while delivering a high standard of service and helping our clients maintain safe water systems.

What we're looking for

No previous water treatment or water hygiene experience is required—we'll provide all the training you need.

• We're looking for someone who:
• Enjoys practical, hands‑on work
• Has a positive attitude and a willingness to learn
• Takes pride in delivering high-quality work
• Has excellent communication and customer service skills
• Is confident using an iPad or similar technology
• Holds a full UK manual driving licence
• Has the right to work in the UK

Experience in a hands‑on or trade‑based role, such as plumbing, construction, maintenance, engineering, facilities management or similar, would be advantageous, but it's by no means essential. If you've got the right attitude, we'll help you develop the technical skills.

What's in it for you?

We believe your hard work deserves to be recognised. That's why we offer a benefits package that supports your wellbeing, rewards your commitment and helps you build a long‑term career with us.

• 37.5-hour working week (Monday-Friday) with overtime paid at double time
• Company vehicle and fuel card for business travel
• Company iPad and mobile phone
• Full uniform, tools and PPE provided
• City & Guilds affiliated training programme to support your professional development
• Clear career progression opportunities within a growing business
• Private Medical Care or a Healthcare Cash Plan after two years' service
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay, Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Employee Discount Scheme, helping you save up to £240 per month on food and groceries
• A supportive team where your contribution is valued and your development is encouraged

Why join SMS Environmental?

At SMS Environmental, we know our people are our greatest asset. That's why we're committed to providing the training, tools and opportunities you need to build a rewarding career.

If you're looking for a role that offers variety, practical work, recognised training and the chance to develop specialist skills in a growing industry, we'd love to hear from you.