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 supporting vital water services across the beautiful Isles of Scilly.

In this varied, hands-on role, you’ll help deliver high-quality water services to island communities, working mainly on St Mary’s, with travel to other islands as required. You’ll be part of a small, close‑knit team where flexibility, strong communication and teamwork are essential.

After 12 months, you’ll have the opportunity to progress onto our Operator Progression Scheme, increasing your salary by up to £3,100, reflecting your growing skills, knowledge and flexibility. You’ll also receive monthly standby and call-out payments.

What You’ll Be Doing

As an Operations Technician, you’ll play a key role in ensuring safe, reliable water services across the islands. Your responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring and managing raw water sources to ensure they are optimised for island supply
• Operating and maintaining water (and, in future, wastewater) treatment processes in line with operating procedures and best practice
• Carrying out proactive and reactive maintenance across all islands to maintain a continuous supply of high-quality water

Repairing and replacing network assets, responding to bursts and emergencies, and ensuring hygiene standards are always met

Installing, replacing and reading water meters

Calibrating instrumentation used in treatment and network processes, recording data, analysing consumption trends and identifying potential leakage

Using handheld devices and online systems to monitor network performance and support fault diagnosis

Communicating clearly and professionally with customers and stakeholders, ensuring issues are logged, escalated and resolved effectively

Working collaboratively with colleagues, management and the Engineering team to support investment and develop new solutions for the islands

Maintaining tools, equipment and consumables in line with inventory requirements

Participating in a standby rota

Undertaking grounds maintenance, including strimming and general site repairs

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is practical, adaptable and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. Ideally, you’ll bring:

• A proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to liaise confidently with colleagues and customers
• A full UK driving licence
• The ability to follow operational procedures and risk assessments
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage competing demands
• Ideally, previous experience in a utilities or similar operational environment
• The ability to gather, interpret and analyse information from multiple sources
• A proactive approach to resolving reactive issues efficiently and effectively
  
  

What’s in it for you?

At South West Water, every role contributes to something bigger — delivering essential services while protecting the environment and supporting communities.

In return for your commitment, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous annual leave allowance plus bank holidays

The option to buy or sell annual leave for added flexibility

Cycle to Work scheme – buy a bike and safety equipment tax‑free

Free car parking at most sites

Up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave

Shared parental leave options to suit your family

Employee share schemes with Pennon Group plc

Free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing support through Champion Health

Access to thousands of discounts and deals via Pennon Perks

Group discounts including Dell Advantage, Virgin Media Affinity, Vodafone Advantage and more

Discretionary bonus

Competitive contributory pension

And much more

Closing Date: 4th May 2026

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.

We look after the water and wastewater services for 1.8 million customers across Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset.

From treatment and maintenance, to innovation and improvements, we're busy every day finding and fixing leaks, unblocking sewers and going bigger and further in our environmental work to be a company you can be proud of.