Water Quality Risk Scientist

South Staffs Water; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water company in the UK is seeking a Water Quality Risk Scientist to analyze water quality data and ensure compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a scientific degree and experience in water-related roles. Key responsibilities include risk assessments, data analysis, and regulatory documentation management. This position offers a competitive salary up to £34,700 and includes benefits such as 25 days of holiday and a 24/7 GP service.

Benefits

25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays)

Free 24/7 GP Service

Store discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Eyecare vouchers

Holiday buy-back scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in an environmental or water-related role.
• Strong understanding of risk assessment principles.
• Full, valid driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret water quality and operational data.
• Investigate water quality near misses and advise teams.
• Produce specific water quality risk assessments.

Skills

Data analysis

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Education

Degree or HND in a scientific discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data systems

Job description

Job Title

Water Quality Risk Scientist

Salary

Up to £34,700 depending on experience

Hours

37 hours per week, plus standby duty

Location

Cambridge

Job Advert

Join South Staffs Water as a Water Quality Risk Scientist. You'll analyse water quality data, identify risks before they become failures, and drive compliance with industry standards. From shaping policies to leading investigations and risk assessments, you’ll be at the forefront of safeguarding water quality across our network.

Who We Are

At South Staffs Water, we deliver clean and reliable water supplies to around 1.7 million customers within the South Staffs and Cambridge regions. As a water-only company, providing clean, healthy water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year is at the very heart of what we do and that’s where you come in.

The Role

South Staffs Water are looking for a detail-oriented and analytical Water Quality Risk Scientist to help us ensure the highest standards of drinking water quality across our network. In this critical role, you’ll analyse operational and water quality data to anticipate risks, drive compliance with industry regulations, and support cross-functional teams in identifying and mitigating emerging issues. You will also lead the development of key policies and risk assessments that shape business decisions and safeguard public health.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Water Quality Assurance

• Analyse and interpret water quality and operational data to identify trends and early indicators of potential performance issues.
• Investigate water quality “near misses” and provide timely advice to operational teams to prevent failures.
• Support incident investigations and contribute to reports related to non‑compliance or poor performance.
• Provide technical guidance during the implementation of water quality‑related projects.

Policy & Documentation Management

• Own, maintain, and develop water quality‑related policies, procedures, and documentation.
• Identify documentation gaps and ensure corrective actions are planned and implemented.
• Collaborate with the Water Regulations Manager to ensure regulatory documentation is compliant and up to date, particularly for DWI submissions.

Risk Assessment & Business Support

• Produce specific water quality risk assessments to inform strategic business decisions.
• Liaise with stakeholders, including Drinking Water Safety Planning and Capital Delivery teams, to capture and communicate business risk.
• Integrate risk insights into planning processes to improve long‑term outcomes.

Departmental Support & Training

• Support the Water Treatment Manager with ad hoc and routine tasks, including cross‑departmental collaboration, water quality sampling, and data provision.
• Represent the department at internal meetings and contribute water quality expertise.
• Deliver training to operational and departmental colleagues as needed.

What You’ll Need

Essential

• Degree or HND in a scientific discipline (e.g., Environmental Science, Chemistry, Microbiology).
• Experience in an environmental or water‑related role.
• Strong understanding of risk assessment principles.
• Excellent data analysis and problem‑solving skills.
• Effective communicator across all levels of the organisation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and data systems.
• Full, valid driving licence.

Desirable

• Qualification in a water industry‑related discipline.
• Knowledge of water industry regulations and water quality standards.
• Experience of water treatment and distribution processes from source to tap.

What You’ll Get in Return

• A competitive salary up to £34,700 per annum depending on your experience.
• 25 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Free 24/7 GP Service
• Store discount for personal shopping needs.
• 24‑hour helpline providing free and confidential advice to you and your family on financial, legal, marital, and health matters.
• Eyecare vouchers – via Specsavers
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Holiday buy‑back scheme (up to a max of 5 days)