Water Quality Officer

United Utilities; Manchester; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to delivering exceptional water services in the North West of England. This role involves managing the sampling process for regulatory and operational purposes, ensuring compliance with standards. You will engage with customers, conduct vital field tests, and maintain high-quality service. The role offers a supportive environment that values diversity and innovation, providing you with opportunities to grow and excel in your career. With a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, this position is ideal for someone passionate about making a positive impact in their community.

Benefits

26 days annual leave (increases to 30 after four years)

Competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution

Performance-related bonus scheme up to 7.5%

Comprehensive healthcare plan

Gym and wellness discounts

Employee Assistance Plan

Enhanced parental leave schemes

Deals and discounts

Mental health first aiders

Wealth at Work courses

Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ level 2 or 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science.
• Previous sampling experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect water and wastewater samples following regulatory and quality procedures.
• Conduct field tests such as pH, taste, and odour assessments.
• Submit samples and field data accurately using current technological processes.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Problem Solving Skills

Data Entry Skills

Communication Skills

Social Skills

Education

NVQ Level 2

5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science

Tools

Basic Computer Skills

Job description

Job number UU02744 Country United Kingdom Region Manchester Location name Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD Posting End Date 16/05/2025 Band 6b Role Type Permanent Work hours 37 Hours per Week Salary £33,355

Salary - £33,355
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

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 we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

• 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
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Job Purpose

To manage and carry out the process of gathering samples for regulatory and operational purposes including the undertaking of field testing activities in accordance with UKAS accreditation. To carry out all field tests for DWI and EA in compliance for regulation standards. To take samples and conduct field tests in order for the business to provide evidence to external stakeholders and regulators.

Samples are taken from all points from ‘bath to bay’ and ‘source to tap’ to include but not limited to process samples, compliance samples, environmental samples, mains repairs, customer complaints, incidents and events. On collection samples are transported (either directly or indirectly) to a laboratory for testing.

This role is fundamental in helping United Utilities Water achieve its sampling commitments.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Oversee planned and reactive work throughout the day, determining job priorities in consultation with internal stakeholders for regulatory, non-regulatory, and ad hoc samples.
• Collect water and wastewater samples following regulatory and quality procedures, liaising with external stakeholders. Sampling covers various points from ‘bath to bay’ and ‘source to tap,’ including process samples, compliance samples, environmental samples, mains repairs, customer complaints, external customers, incidents, events, and business projects.
• Conduct field tests such as pH, taste and odour, chlorine levels, and temperature, while ensuring adherence to security protocols, health and safety procedures, and risk assessments when predefined sampling methods do not apply.
• Act as a customer champion, providing clear explanations of field test results and maintaining positive interactions to enhance customer satisfaction, minimise complaints, and uphold the company’s reputation.
• Submit samples and field data accurately using current technological processes, ensuring timely laboratory delivery. Adhere to quality control protocols, proficiency testing, and equipment verification while supporting emergency, weekend, and bank holiday sampling services.

Technical Skills & Experience

• A high degree of social skills for working in a customer orientated environment. Experienced in dealing with difficult customers whilst being able to provide information and advice to customer queries.
• Able to maintain and update UKAS and DWI accreditation standards and practices in line with ISO17025.
• Able to work on their own initiative and have excellent problem solving skills.
• Basic computer skills to data entry is essential.
• Basic knowledge of disinfection principles, water and wastewater treatment.
• Maintain relevant and up to date Continuous Professional Development (CPD) records to meet the requirements of DWI regulation 16.
• Team working and communication skills will be an integral requirement for the role.

This role may not be eligible for the visa sponsorship

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum of NVQ level 2, or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science.

Desirable Qualifications

• Previous sampling experience is desirable

Additonal Information

Contractual overtime and standby once sufficiently trained

This role is working 11am-7pm Monday to Friday. It includes participation in a standby rota and contractual weekends - both on a frequency of 1 in 8.

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.