Water Treatment Technician

Pennon Group; Tiverton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

South West Water, part of Pennon Group, has an exciting opportunity for a Water Treatment Technician in the Tiverton region. You will maintain water treatment processes, monitor water quality, and support the operation of treatment facilities to ensure safe drinking water for customers.

We offer comprehensive training, industry qualifications, and a structured career progression. The role includes an out-of-hours standby rota and DBS check as part of onboarding.

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence essential.
• Ability to obtain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).
• COSHH, lone working, and basic first aid knowledge required.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Basic understanding of water treatment processes.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor water treatment processes to maintain regulatory and company standards.
• Ensure the consistent supply of safe, high-quality drinking water.
• Safely handle, store, and manage treatment chemicals in accordance with COSHH regulations.
• Carry out routine operational maintenance on treatment plant and associated equipment.
• Collect water samples and undertake on-site testing and analysis.
• Complete operational records, reports, and log sheets accurately and on time.
• Support both planned and reactive operational activities.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, health and safety, and environmental compliance.
• Identify, report, and respond to operational issues in accordance with company procedures.
• Participate in an out-of-hours standby rota as required.

Skills

Driving Licence

Security Clearance

COSHH

Lone Working

First Aid

Communication

Teamwork

Decision Making

Water Treatment Basics

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Process Plant Operations

HNC in Water Operations

Instrumentation, Control & Automation

Science disciplines

Tools

iSCADA

Paragon

Job description

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Water Treatment Technician to join our operational team in the Tiverton region. This role plays a vital part in ensuring the delivery of safe, clean drinking water to customers by maintaining water treatment processes, monitoring water quality, and supporting the efficient operation of treatment facilities.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys practical, hands-on work, problem-solving, and working as part of a collaborative team. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training, development support, and industry-recognised qualifications through a structured career progression programme.

The role also includes participation in an out-of-hours standby rota to support operational continuity and emergency response requirements.

Key Responsibilities

As a Water Treatment Technician, you will:

• Operate and monitor water treatment processes to maintain regulatory and company standards.

• Ensure the consistent supply of safe, high-quality drinking water.

• Safely handle, store, and manage treatment chemicals in accordance with COSHH regulations.

• Carry out routine operational maintenance on treatment plant and associated equipment.

• Collect water samples and undertake on-site testing and analysis.

• Complete operational records, reports, and log sheets accurately and on time.

• Support both planned and reactive operational activities.

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping, health and safety, and environmental compliance.

• Identify, report, and respond to operational issues in accordance with company procedures.

• Participate in an out-of-hours standby rota as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence.

• Ability to obtain and maintain UK Government Security Clearance (SC).

• Understanding of:

  • COSHH regulations

  • Lone working procedures

  • Basic First Aid principles

• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

• Ability to make informed decisions in a fast-paced operational environment.

• Basic understanding of water treatment processes.

• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practice.

Desirable Requirements

• NVQ Level 2 in Process Plant Operations, HNC in Water Operations, or working towards a relevant qualification.

• Background in:

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Instrumentation, Control & Automation (ICA)

  • Scientific disciplines

• Experience within water treatment, utilities, manufacturing, process industries, or similar operational environments.

• Familiarity with operational systems such as iSCADA and Paragon.

Working Pattern

This role operates on a 5-week rolling shift pattern, including early, late, weekend and standby duties. Successful candidates will be required to work this pattern from day one.

Typical shifts include:

• Early shifts: 06:00 - 14:00

• Day shifts: 08:00 - 16:00 (15:30 finish on Fridays)

• Late shifts: 14:00 - 22:00

• Standby and weekend working on a rotational basis

Full details of the shift rota, standby requirements and scheduled rest days will be provided during the recruitment process.

Closing Date: 20th Aug 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.