The Role
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’re 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’ve 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.
Would you like to use your hands-on experience and skills to join a progressive company?
We currently have a Catchment Operator position available for a motivated individual to join our team in Redruth. Joining us on a full-time permanent basis, you will receive a competitive salary of £25,299 per annum.
In addition to this, you will also receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby pattern of 1 week in every 5 on call, with potential call out payments and overtime.
About the role
As a catchment operator working within the Area Waste Water Networks team, you will be responsible for inspecting, maintaining and improving the sewerage network. This role is customer facing and you will be a key player in a team that strives to deliver a consistently excellent service to our customers in both planned and reactive emergency situations. South West Water is committed to protecting our surrounding environment and this role will be integral to delivering this commitment by ensuring a smooth passage of sewage from its source to our treatment works.
What you'll be doing:
- The completion of reactive and planned work across the sewerage network to the highest standard of workmanship including but not limited to:
- Rapid response to and resolution of pollution and flooding events
- Blockage clearance and investigation of underlying causes
- CCTV survey of pipework and asset investigation
- Maintenance of small sewage pumping stations and CSOs
- Ensure Risk Assessments and Task Safety Instructions for work activity are adhered to and continually improved
- Using logic and initiative to assess on site problems and find an appropriate solution
- Operators are empowered to deliver a first time attendance resolution wherever possible, where alternative remedial action is required, operators are expected to provide thorough, detailed feedback to ensure further work can be completed as quickly and effectively as possible
- Ensuring all work completed provides the highest level of service to the customer, dealing with sensitive issues in a calm and reassuring manner and approaching all situations in a polite, friendly and approachable manner, provide resolution or escalate issues to management where appropriate
- Respond effectively to site conditions and monitoring information to ensure that compliance with environmental regulations is maintained
- Respond rapidly and effectively to reports of suspected pollution events to ensure the environment is protected
- Carry out first line maintenance on instruments & mechanical equipment
- Working independently using a single-man operated jetting vehicles, as well as working as an effective part of a team tackling larger issues
- A flexible working pattern is in operation which includes undertaking standby and callouts and working evenings and weekends on a rota basis
- Feedback work completion in real time and to the required standard to support decision making and performance tracking across the team
What we are looking for:
- 5 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject at grade A-C
- Have the ability to problem solve and fault find
- Good communication skills, both oral and written
- Ability to prioritise work effectively on a daily basis
- Ability to deal with queries from the public in a calm and friendly manner
- Experience of working in a team and an understanding of the importance of teamwork
- Experience of working independently using initiative to tackle and solve problems
- Previous experience of operating and maintaining complex processes and working with modern technology
- Takes ownership of work and adopts continuous improvement philosophy
- A flexible approach to working hours which includes working evenings and weekends as part of the flexible working pattern. This includes participation in a standby rotation
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
- And plenty more!
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
Closing Date: Tuesday 20th May 2025
If you are looking for a new challenge, please click apply now to be considered as a Catchment Operator - 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.
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The Company
What We Do
South West Water is part of Pennon Group plc. We provide reliable, efficient and high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. We also look after the region's bathing waters and coastline.
South West Water came into being in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry. We inherited a water system suffering from a century of neglect but, thanks to the tireless work of our 1,300 employees, have brought the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters into line with the stringent UK and European Union standards.
This extensive programme of environmental improvement has resulted in some of the finest bathing waters in Europe, picturesque scenery and clean rivers with stunning wildlife.
We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we are not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.
