Water Quality Officer (Shifts)

Job Description

Salary - £34,890
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Quarry Hill Water Treatment Works, Mealsgate, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 1AE
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.

Benefits

• 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
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• 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. 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 is a shift role working a 2 week rotating pattern, week 1 Monday to Friday 13:00 - 21:00, week 2 Tuesday to Saturday 07:00 - 15:00, this role includes working bank holidays. A shift premium is applicable for this role. There is no contractual overtime or standby with this role, however there may be opportunities to help cover standby and overtime.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Manage and prioritise planned and reactive sampling work throughout the day, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders across regulatory, non‑regulatory and ad hoc activities.
• Collect water and wastewater samples across the full system (“source to tap” and “bath to bay”), following regulatory, quality, UKAS, DWI and EA requirements, including incident, complaint and project work.
• Conduct field testing and ensure compliance with health, safety and security procedures, undertaking risk assessments and specialist sampling where standard instructions do not apply.
• Deliver excellent customer service by acting as a customer champion, explaining test results clearly, handling complaints professionally, and maintaining a positive company image.
• Accurately submit samples and field data to laboratories within strict timescales, maintain equipment quality control, operate vehicles safely, and train and mentor other Water Quality Officers.

What We Are Looking For:

• Minimum of NVQ level 2, or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science
• 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
• Able to work on their own initiative and have excellent problem solving skills
• Full driving licence
• 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.

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.