Operations Technician

Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose

South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.

Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operations Technician to join our team on the Isles of Scilly. This is a varied, hands-on role supporting the delivery of safe, reliable water services across the islands.

Following 12 months in post, you'll have the opportunity to join our Operator Progression Scheme, increasing your salary by a further £3,100. Standby and call-out payments also apply through participation in the operational rota.

The Role

As an Operations Technician, you'll support the operation, maintenance, and improvement of water assets across the Isles of Scilly, helping to ensure a continuous supply of high-quality water to local communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring and managing raw water sources.

• Operating and maintaining water treatment processes in line with operational procedures.

• Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance across treatment sites and networks.

• Repairing and replacing network assets, responding to bursts, and replacing water meters.

• Calibrating instrumentation, collecting operational data, and identifying potential leakage issues.

• Using handheld and online technology to monitor system performance and diagnose faults.

• Providing excellent customer service and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships.

• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Operations and Engineering teams.

• Maintaining tools, equipment, and site stock levels.

• Undertaking general site maintenance, grounds upkeep, and participating in the standby rota.

About You

We're looking for somebody who is practical, adaptable, and enjoys working both independently and as part of a close-knit team.

You'll ideally have:

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths, English, and a Science subject.

• A full UK Driving Licence.

• Strong communication and customer service skills.

• The ability to prioritise workloads and respond to changing demands.

• Experience working safely within operational procedures and risk assessments.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Previous experience within utilities, operations, maintenance, or a similar industry would be advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with progression opportunities.

• Operator Progression Scheme (£3,100 salary increase after 12 months, subject to eligibility).

• Standby and call-out payments.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Option to buy or sell annual leave.

• Competitive pension scheme.

• Discretionary bonus.

• Cycle to Work scheme.

• Employee share schemes.

• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support.

• Perkbox discounts and a range of employee offers.

Closing Date: 10th November 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.