Water Quality Scientist

This is an exciting role where you will be 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 (WSZs) to deliver regulatory obligations associated with Drinking Water Safety Plans (DWSPs). 

What you’ll be doing as a Water Quality Scientist

You will use the company’s bespoke DWSP IT system to ensure that the service reservoir and WSZ risk assessment data is captured and reported appropriately, both internally and externally to the regulator.

It is expected that you will actively seek to develop your technical expertise in drinking water quality, as well as regulatory requirements relating to DWSPs.

• 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.

This role is based out of Clearwater Court, Reading. You will be expected to be in the office 1-2 days per week.

What you should bring to the role 

• Be educated to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Industry experience in a relevant role is advantageous.
• 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 and able to learn our company systems e.g. DWSP IT, EQUIS, 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 able to manage workloads.
• A driving licence is preferable but not essential.

What’s in it for you?

• Starting salary £31,000 per annum increasing with skills and experience.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, 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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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.

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

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support you.

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, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

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.