Water Quality Scientist

Our Water Quality team is looking to hire a Water Quality Scientist. This role is part of a dynamic team focused on ensuring we always protect public health in the delivery of a wholesome water supply. In this key role, you’ll be responsible for assessing risk within service reservoir and water supply zones (WSZ’s) to deliver regulatory obligations associated with Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs).

Utilising your knowledge of drinking water quality, you will carry out Regulation 27 DWSP risk assessments to identify any residual risks that require additional mitigation.

You will participate in a programme of Service Reservoir and WSZ DWSP audits, collating and interpreting outputs alongside water quality monitoring data to determine risk. You will participate in sessions to validate existing DWSP risks and identify emerging ones.

What you’ll be doing as a Water Quality Scientist

• Liaise with the Service Reservoir Engineer team to deliver a programme of DWSP audits for service reservoirs.
• Undertake desk-based DWSP audits for WSZs.
• Track and ensure completion of any actions relating to non-compliances identified.
• Complete DWSP updates on the company’s bespoke DWSP IT system to meet regulatory requirements and internal programmes.
• Actively seek to develop expertise in drinking water quality, as well as regulatory requirements relating to DWSPs.
• Participate in the Water Quality Risk Review process to validate existing DWSP risks and identify emerging ones, escalating significant risks within governance parameters.

Location: Hybrid working with the base Location of Clearwater Court, Reading.
In addition, you may be required to participate in a rota for providing out-of-hours technical support on a 1 week in every 6 basis, for which appropriate training will be given.

This position is paying a salary of up to £35,000 per annum.

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria is:

• Be educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and an ability to build positive relationships with stakeholders across the business.
• Be competent in using Microsoft Office software; working knowledge of Power Bi is advantageous. Adept in using company systems, e.g. DWSP IT, EQUIS, and Sample Manager.
• Possess a proactive, can-do attitude, as this is key to success in the role.
• Be open-minded, supporting and developing new methods of working, and be able to manage workloads.

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team

• Have water industry experience.
• A driving license.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £35,000 per annum.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays) 
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets 
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance. 

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.