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 goal? Net zero by 2030, supported by partnerships with Wildlife Trusts and National Parks.
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're currently recruiting a Catchment Technician to join our recovery & treatment team based in Barnstaple.
Joining us on a permanent full time basis, you will receive a competitive salary of £27,768 - £37,348 per annum with the opportunity to enter our company progression scheme. In addition to this, you will also receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby rota.
Core hours are 37 per week with a 1 in 5 week standby and call out rota, once training is complete.
As the Catchment Technician, you will provide support to the area wastewater services treatment and sewage pumping stations managers, and the wider wastewater services Management team.
Pollution investigation and support including engagement in Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
Support the team through reactive response to compliance hot spots to help resolve issues and suggest solutions
Incident management and recovery
Provide technical support to the Waste Water Operational Teams to help compliance, efficiency and asset reliability
Detailed action planning and contingency development
H&S investigation and hazard resolution
Asset optimisation including contribution to the Smart Alarm project
Respond to technical enquiries and customer correspondence and provide technical information where required
Support management team through ensuring governance processes are discharged, e.g. Fire Alarm Testing at AD sites, WAMITAB TCM site inspections, H&S inspections
Energy and Water efficiency programme field support
5 GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent including Maths, English and a Science subject; or
ONC / City and Guilds in relevant subject or NVQ Waste Water Process or Sewerage Control Level 2 standard of competence or HNC / Water Diploma
Technical outlook and ability to analyse and administer varied data sources to make decision and or present information for action
Use of computer systems which will include both MS Office
Ability to adapt to changes within the wastewater services team and able to flex activities to support the wider team
Full UK Drivers Licence
Ability to undertake out of hours standby duties
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
A discretionary Bonus
Competitive Contributory Pension
Share-save Scheme
Various health benefits
Wellbeing support programmes
A range of Group Discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme
Financial support services
Closing Date: 10th June 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.
