Wastewater Catchment Technician

South West Water; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider is looking for a Catchment Technician in Barnstaple. This full-time role offers a competitive salary between £27,768 - £37,348, along with additional benefits such as a holiday allowance, a discretionary bonus, and a contributory pension scheme. Key responsibilities include pollution investigation, incident management, and providing technical support. Candidates must have relevant technical qualifications and a full UK driver's license. Join us in making a difference for future generations.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Discretionary bonus

Competitive contributory pension

Share-save scheme

Health benefits

Wellbeing support programmes

Group discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Financial support services

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent including Maths, English, and a Science subject.
• Relevant technical qualifications such as NVQ or HNC in waste water processes.
• Full UK Driver's License is required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pollution investigation and support Root Cause Analysis.
• Assist in reactive responses to compliance issues.
• Manage incidents and provide technical support.
• Develop detailed action plans and ensure compliance with governance processes.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical proficiency with computer systems

Flexibility and adaptability

Communication skills

Problem-solving abilities

Education

5 GCSEs at grades A-C including Maths, English, and a Science subject

OnC / City and Guilds / NVQ Waste Water Process Level 2

HNC / Water Diploma

Tools

MS Office

Job description

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid stable foundations – with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We are proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area, and we have huge ambitions. Not only are we committed to reaching net‑zero by 2030, but we have also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

About the role

We’re currently recruiting a Catchment Technician to join our recovery & treatment team based in Barnstaple. Joining us on a permanent full‑time basis you will receive a competitive salary of £27,768 - £37,348 per annum with the opportunity to enter our company progression scheme. In addition to this you will also receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby rota.

Core hours are 37 per week with a 1 in 5 week standby and call‑out rota once training is complete.

Duties:

• Pollution investigation and support including engagement in Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Support the team through reactive response to compliance hot spots to help resolve issues and suggest solutions
• Incident management and recovery
• Provide technical support to the Waste Water Operational Teams to help compliance efficiency and asset reliability
• Detailed action planning and contingency development
• H&S investigation and hazard resolution
• Asset optimisation including contribution to the Smart Alarm project
• Respond to technical enquiries and customer correspondence and provide technical information where required
• Support management team through ensuring governance processes are discharged e.g. Fire Alarm Testing at AD sites, WAMITAB TCM site inspections, H&S inspections
• Energy and Water efficiency programme field support

What we are looking for:

• 5 GCSEs at grades A‑C or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science subject; or
• OnC / City and Guilds in relevant subject or NVQ Waste Water Process or Sewerage Control Level 2 standard of competence or HNC / Water Diploma
• Technical outlook and ability to analyse and administer varied data sources to make decisions and or present information for action
• Use of computer systems which will include both MS Office
• Ability to adapt to changes within the wastewater services team and able to flex activities to support the wider team
• Full UK Drivers Licence
• Ability to undertake out of hours standby duties

What's in it for you:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary bonus
• Competitive contributory pension
• Share‑save scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of group discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Financial support services

Closing Date: Monday 19th January 2026

If you are looking for a new challenge please click apply now to be considered as our Catchment Technician – we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself we like it that way. Together we will build a culture of belonging where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

• Be Rock Solid – Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
• Be You – We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
• Be the Future – Embrace change. Drive progress. Own the challenge.