Water Network Technician (Shifts)

United Utilities; Penrith; On-site; GBP 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services provider is seeking a Water Network Technician in Penrith to support the operation and maintenance of Clean Water Network assets. Responsibilities include asset inspections, identifying improvement opportunities, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate should possess technical experience in water networks and strong communication skills. A full-time on-site opportunity with attractive benefits.

Benefits

26 days annual leave, increasing to 30

Up to 14% employer pension contribution

Performance-related bonus scheme

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym discounts

Employee Assistance Plan

Enhanced parental leave schemes

Qualifications

• Demonstrable water network technical experience, including leakage detection and repair.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong customer service focus and ability to resolve issues.

Responsibilities

• Inspection of water network assets including service reservoirs and pumping stations.
• Identifying asset optimisation and improvement opportunities.
• Undertake boundary valve checks in line with UU maintenance strategy.

Skills

Water network technical experience

Communication and interpersonal skills

Customer service focus

Negotiation skills

Ability to work independently and as a team

Competency in IT packages (INS, GIS, STS, etc.)

Education

UAGCSE grade C or above, City and Guilds

Job description

Salary

£38,462 + Shift pay

Work Type

Onsite

Job Location

Penrith Newtongate Depot, Newtongsate Industrial Estate, Penrith, CA11 0AB

Role Type

Permanent

Employment Type

Full Time

Working Hours

37.0 Hours per Week

Company Overview

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy and benefits society. We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace and foster a culture where our people can grow, excel and be themselves.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts – gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Job Purpose

To support the day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of Clean Water Network assets to ensure United Utilities (UU) Water Services delivers its operational objectives. Be seen as the sole owner of the assets and DMAs within a predefined geographical area, and will support the effective operation and maintenance of the network assets listed along with the delivery of the Distribution Operations Maintenance Strategy (DOMS) for water network assets.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Inspection of water network assets including service reservoirs, pumping stations, air valves, pipe bridges, trunk mains and pressure vessels.
• Identifying asset optimisation and improvement opportunities within a predefined geographical area.
• Undertake boundary valve checks in line with UU maintenance strategy.
• Maintaining site standards in accordance with internal, regulatory and statutory guidance.
• Ensure appropriate work authorisation requirements are in‑place for internal and external stakeholders when completing work on water assets.
• Undertake water network risk assessments.
• Provide incident and event support as required; including P1 leak response and management (4R’s).
• Undertake local network investigations and improvements.
• Set up DMA/District Pressure Areas (DPA) to ensure operability.
• Undertake water network rezones when appropriate.
• Undertake confined space entry and assessments.
• Support service reservoir maintenance activities, including emptying, flushing, filling and sampling.
• Mains flushing to maintain water quality including turbidity, chlorine concentration.
• Investigate illegal connections and adverse pressure/flow on the water network.
• Comply with all UU H&S procedures.
• Timely reporting of pollutions in accordance with the UU pollution reporting procedure.
• Support H&S, DWSP and site standards audits.
• Pressure Management Valve (PMV) issue resolution support
• Operate, optimise and rotate pumps.
• Operate and maintain standby generators.
• Support statutory pressure vessel testing.
• Undertake Network Risk Assessments.
• Lifting equipment coordination, inspection and testing.
• Set up operate and remove standpipe.
• Project work – site handovers, access certificates.
• Set up site as per New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA).

Skills / Experience & Qualifications

• UAGCSE grade C or above, City and Guilds, or ability to demonstrate technical and customer skills.
• Demonstrable water network technical experience, including leakage detection and repair.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong customer service focus and be able to resolve customer issues.
• The ability to work alone efficiently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
• A good level of competency in the use of relevant IT packages e.g. INS, GIS, STS, Water Core, SHED.

Additional Info

The asset base under the ownership of the Water Network Technician will include:

• Water network service reservoirs.
• Network valves including boundary valves.
• Pumping stations.
• Water distribution mains.
• Trunk mains.
• District metered areas (DMA).

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.