Production Process Operator

Portsmouth Water Ltd; Havant; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company is looking for skilled Process Operators in Havant. The role includes operating and monitoring machinery at various water treatment sites while ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Suitable candidates will have GCSE qualifications and possess strong analytical skills. Portsmouth Water offers flexible working arrangements and a competitive benefits package including annual leave, a pension scheme, and wellness support.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

Pension scheme contributions up to 15%

Non-contractual bonus up to 6%

Enhanced family leave policies

All expenses covered for social events

Life assurance scheme

24/7 mental health support

Employee discounts and perks

Qualifications

• Adaptable and able to learn new technology and skills.
• Independent thinker with problem-solving abilities.
• Empathetic and open to feedback.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain machinery and equipment across water treatment sites.
• Collect data on water quality and record performance.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Safe chemical handling

Hydraulic principles

HMI/Touchscreen experience

Computer literacy

Education

A* to C grade in GCSE English, Maths, and Science or Level 2 functional skills

Job description

We’re making a difference: Together, we can ensure that there is enough water for everyone, now and in the future.

Portsmouth Water are delighted to have multiple opportunities in our growing Production department! We are looking for skilled Process Operators to operate, control and monitor the machinery and equipment at our sites and facilities across Hampshire and West Sussex. This role includes working outdoors, at height, in confined spaces and at unsociable times of the day. You will be required to participate in an out of hours standby rota to support the effective operation of our sites 365 days per year (meaning you will be on call circa every 1 in 4 weeks).

Note that the standby rota payments & overtime opportunities can increase this earning potential by up to a further £8,000 - £10,000 per annum.

Key Responsibilities

• Visit water treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs, to monitor and maintain the performance and operability of these sites while carrying out essential duties.
• Data collection of water quality and asset performance, recording routine activities and work completed.
• Operate and maintain treatment work assets, taking, monitoring, recording and interpreting water samples to ensure treatment processes are working effectively.
• Operate clean water treatment processes, for example, chemical dosing, coagulation and flocculation, filtration, disinfection, and storage.
• Monitor external activities in the areas surrounding our works for any activities that may affect the integrity of the water sources.
• Ensure the appearance, cleanliness and operation of our sites meets company standards, whilst maintaining water quality and hygiene standards.
• Be aware of and work to improve our environmental impact Backflushing, Running to Waste / Trade Effluent discharge, Environmental discharge, Biodiversity Compliance, Reservoir Maintenance.
• Manage, record and ensure adequate rotation and turnover of water treatment chemicals.
• Ensure all work is carried out in line with the company’s Water Production procedures and in full compliance with on-site Health and Safety, Quality Standards, Office of Water Services (OFWAT), Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), Environmental Agency (EA), and Energy & Utilities Skills Register (EUSR) standards for clean water operations.
• Comply with company standards, policies, processes, systems and procedures to ensure all risks are identified, managed, and mitigated.
• Be responsible for own health, safety, and well-being, reporting site security and safety concerns.

What do you need?

• A* to C grade or Level 4 or above in GCSE English, Maths and a Science-based subject, or Level 2 functional skills.
• Adaptable with good attention to detail and effective analytical skills.
• Independent and critical thinker with the ability to undertake effective troubleshooting.
• Accountable for own actions with a willingness to collaborate with others, while developing and sharing knowledge, ideas and best practice with others.
• Empathetic, self-aware and comfortable with constructively challenging areas that could be improved.
• Open to learning new technology, skills and qualifications.
• Passionate about providing an excellent service to our customers, colleagues, and teams.
• As a team player, flexible in work to maintain operational requirements.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling and basic hydraulic principles.
• Experience working with Human Machine Interface (HMI)/touchscreen devices.
• Computer and smart phone literate.
• A full UK driving licence will be required to undertake our driver assessment.

We recognise people want to work in a variety of different ways, and that’s why we’re happy to consider flexible working arrangements. Please feel free to talk to us at interview about the flexibility you may be looking for.

Please note, we may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we actively encourage applications from all sections of society.

We are committed to ensuring all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Due to the high volume of applications we may receive, we’re unable to respond to every applicant individually. If your application is of interest, we’ll usually be in touch within 4 weeks of receiving it.

What can Portsmouth Water offer you?

• Holidays Made Better – Enjoy 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays.
• A Pension That Works for You – We’ll help secure your future with a generous pension scheme, contributing up to 15% because your tomorrow matters as much as your today.
• Performance Pays Off – You could earn a non-contractual bonus of up to 6% of your basic salary, linked to company performance.
• Family Comes First – Whether you’re welcoming a new arrival through birth or adoption, we’ve got your back with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave and pay.
• Social Events – All expenses covered summer and winter social events.
• Peace of Mind, Always – Our life assurance scheme gives your loved ones extra security, with a 4x salary lump sum benefit in case the unexpected happens.
• Comprehensive Wellbeing Support – Confidential mental health and wellbeing advice 24/7 through our Employee Assistance Programme, or physical health support via our Virtual GP service (available 8am-10pm, 7 days a week for you and your immediate family).
• PW Perks Treat Yourself! – Enjoy exclusive discounts at thousands of retailers, plus exciting benefits such as electric vehicle scheme (after 1 year), cycle-to-work scheme, health cash plan and more.