Leakage Technician

About us

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a more prosperous, 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 are proud to be ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We promote a workplace culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values, and business model to fulfil our mission. By setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable, long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Whether you collaborate with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• A 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working

The role

To support United Utilities (UU) Water Network to deliver against its regulatory targets and customer promises for leakage control.

To be accountable for proactive and reactive leakage detection activities within District Meter Areas (DMAs) and Upstream within District Meter Zones (DMZs). This will involve the deployment and assessment of appropriate leakage detection methodologies, depending upon the technical requirements of the area being assessed.

Work in close liaison with the Network Maintenance Alliance (NMA) to ensure the timely and efficient repair and resolution of leakage issues as well as being accountable for proactive private leakage detection to resolution.

Accountable for raising the correct repairs through to the NMA as well as supporting the NMA through the repair process to ensure that they are undertaken in a safe, customer focused, timely and cost effective manner.

Key accountabilities

• Responsible for undertaking proactive leakage - using appropriate leakage detection methods depending on requirements of the task (correlating, sounding, step testing, data loggers)

• Accountable for managing leaks upstream of the customer boundary as well as serving defective fitting (DF) notices when identified through proactive leakage detection

• Accountable for identifying and detecting leaks on the Network as well as proactive leaks on customer premises. Accountable for raising repairs through to the Network Maintenance Alliance (NMA)

• To undertake reactive leakage detection for customer reported P2 leaks when operational needs arise in line with agreed escalation process

• To assist in resolution of operability issues

• Liaison with Repair and Maintenance teams to ensure repairs are completed and abortive excavations minimised

• To provide leakage assistance to Water Network Technicians for third party damage on the water network

• To interpret and use flow and pressure data to agree areas of interest for further leakage detection activity

• To raise and manage work for leak repairs

• Assess appropriate network leakage activities and undertake planned work risk assessments for low risk network activities with support from Network Technician or TSO in line with the agreed process

• To provide support to other network colleagues during incidents and events if required

• To liaise with Network Technicians for high risk, planned work risk assessments

• To use turbidity monitors as required to monitor water quality as part of Network Operations/leakage activities

• To carry out red-lining activities

• Ensure PPE and vehicles comply with UU Health and Safety policies

Skills & experience

• Knowledge and experience in the operation of water networks and leakage detection techniques

• Able to demonstrate the competency to work as part of a high performance team whilst having a proven record of achieving goals, objectives and scorecard measures

• GCSE grade C or above, City and Guilds, or ability to demonstrate technical and customer skills

• Demonstrable water network technical experience, including leakage detection and repair

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Effective influencing and negotiation skills

• Strong customer service focus and be able to resolve customer issues

This role requires a full driving licence

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