Catchment Controller

Salary - £40,232
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Thirlmere Forestry, Thirlmere, Nr Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4TQ
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours -

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 operate, monitor and maintain all catchment assets within the North area catchment team. This includes impounding reservoirs, boreholes, river intakes, aqueducts, land, built and natural heritage and any associated infrastructure to ensure internal, external and statutory, regulatory and mandatory drivers for reservoir safety, water quality, catchment activities, public access and operational efficiency as well as health and safety are achieved.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Build strong relationships with catchment stakeholders, manage events, and support activities that enhance the company’s reputation and promote sustainable land and water use.
• Monitor reservoirs, catchments and assets—including 48‑hour inspections—to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, emergency readiness and protection of raw water quality.
• Deliver and maintain catchment work programmes (capital, revenue, maintenance), ensure compliance with QA, MARS and legislative requirements, and progress operational actions.
• Support wider teams by contributing to action plans, DWSP reviews, data recording, and providing prompt responses to operational or environmental incidents.
• Preserve natural and built heritage, ensure safe public access, manage visitor experience, and work with security partners to address anti‑social behaviour on catchment land.

What We Are Looking For:

• Water Engineering or impounding reservoir O&M experience desirable
• Practical experience in Countryside or Environmental Management
• Wider business experience
• Good working knowledge of water and land management
• Technical understanding of reservoir design and safety
• Technical understanding of hydraulics and civil engineering
• Understanding of the Drinking Water Safety Plan approach to water quality risk management
• Working knowledge of visitor and countryside access management and related legislation
• Knowledge of wildlife legislation on species and habitats
• Good range of practical countryside management skills
• Able to drive and hold a valid driving license

Important Information:

• The successful candidate will also be expected to undertake role-relevant formal academic training to achieve the required License To Operate (LTO) status.
• The successful candidate will also be expected to participate in a regular weekend reservoir inspection rota and will be required to participate in a formal standby rota.
• The successful candidate may be required to support other areas of the team from time to time upon request

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.