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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 Waste Water Process Scientist position available for a motivated individual to join our team in Bodmin, Cornwall. Joining us on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract. You will receive a competitive salary of £27,000 - £37,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.
About the role
As the Waste Water Process Scientist you will provide scientific and technical support to the area teams in order to deliver waste water process optimisation, delivery of chemical and energy efficiencies and the implementation, monitoring and control of trade effluent policy. Additionally, you will provide advice and support to the area delivery team regarding appropriate response to environmental risks. The role has an on-site working arrangement in both the office and field-based.
What you’ll be doing:
- Providing planned and reactive scientific and technical support to the waste water operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance at the best cost. This includes conducting site visits to sewage treatment works to assess operational performance, identification of problems and provision of suggested improvements;
- Delivering in-house optimisation projects such as energy and chemical efficiencies;
- Participation in an out of hours pollution response standby rota enabling immediate environmental assessment of a potential pollution. This includes assisting with subsequent reviews of pollutions and environmental events to aid learning and process improvements;
- Implementing Trade Effluent control policy to ensure that the health and safety of downstream staff, the sewerage network and the receiving sewage treatment works are not compromised;
- Undertake Trade Effluent regulatory sampling and monitoring to ensure compliance with discharge permits;
- Preparing reports on various aspects including operational performance and cost-saving opportunities;
- Assisting with investigations into Non-trade illicit discharges in conjunction with area catchment teams;
- Supporting capital investment projects on sewage treatment works;
- Providing scientific support to the wastewater treatment managers in relation to the receipt of inter-works sludges and external commercial wastes;
- Assist with the trialling of new technologies and innovations;
- Supporting the area teams with investigations associated with odour complaints and the optimisation of odour control systems.
What we are looking for:
- Minimum of a degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline
- Full UK Driving License
- Providing planned and reactive scientific and technical support to the waste water operational teams to ensure regulatory compliance at the best cost. This includes conducting site visits to sewage treatment works to assess operational performance, identification of problems and provision of suggested improvements;
- Delivering in-house optimisation projects such as energy and chemical efficiencies;
- Participation in an out of hours pollution response standby rota enabling immediate environmental assessment of a potential pollution. This includes assisting with subsequent reviews of pollutions and environmental events to aid learning and process improvements;
- Implementing Trade Effluent control policy to ensure that the health and safety of downstream staff, the sewerage network and the receiving sewage treatment works are not compromised;
- Undertake Trade Effluent regulatory sampling and monitoring to ensure compliance with discharge permits;
- Preparing reports on various aspects including operational performance and cost-saving opportunities;
- Assisting with investigations into Non-trade illicit discharges in conjunction with area catchment teams;
- Supporting capital investment projects on sewage treatment works;
- Providing scientific support to the wastewater treatment managers in relation to the receipt of inter-works sludges and external commercial wastes;
- Assist with the trialling of new technologies and innovations;
- Supporting the area teams with investigations associated with odour complaints and the optimisation of odour control systems.
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 23rd Septmeber 2025
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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