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 currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Production Technician to join our team based in Bournemouth. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £27,000 - £33,000 per annum plus a range of excellent company benefits and rewards.
In this role you will operate complex water treatment sites and associates’ plant and equipment ensuring that potable water quality standards are achieved, and production demands are met. You will always achieve the highest quality for our customers, colleagues, the environment, and all stakeholders by putting “Quality First”. Providing out of hours standby cover will be required as part of an operational rota to ensure sites are maintained in an operational state out of hours.
Liaise with company control room in accordance with operational procedures
Ensure that all chemicals are stored, handled and used safely, effectively and efficiently, in line with company requirements. This includes the use of Breathing Apparatus.
Carry out operational maintenance on equipment and instrumentation in accordance with work schedules and task instructions.
Take water quality samples and carry out on site analyses as required in accordance with work instructions.
Complete water quality and operational procedures, records/log sheets.
Perform routine and non-routine tasks in accordance with the operational requirements of sites. This may include grounds maintenance, river/intake maintenance, security checks, reservoir and tank cleaning.
Ensure that all abnormal events are dealt with in accordance with company procedures and are reported to the Resources & Production Area Manager/Duty Manager.
To carry out automated maintenance tasks scheduled to the team.
To work alongside the asset performance team to ensure reliable optimum performance of site equipment.
To provide standby cover and work flexibly.
Comfortable working from heights and within Confined Spaces; appropriate training will be given.
5 GCSEs or equivalent at grade A to C in Maths and English.
NVQ 2 in Operating Process Plant – or willing to work towards it
Full UK Drivers Licence
Experience in Water Treatment or other relevant process.
Use of computer systems for works SCADA.
Use of computer systems for standard software packages such as e-mail, Word and Excel, PDA devices.
Understanding of principals of COSHH, Lone Working procedures and Basic First Aid.
Administrative duties, e.g., site logs, diary, task sheets, work orders, stock records, GRN’s etc.
Alarm response and interpretation, understanding of priorities.
Skilled communicator with the ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels of the business.
Excellent organisation skills with the ability to adapt and organise/adapt workload to changing priorities
Driving of company vehicles; site specific requirements for 4WD, forklift and tractor / trailer.
Ability to remain self-motivated and committed
Ability to reach sound judgements and decisions when dealing with often complex issues and operating in highly pressurised situations
A flexible approach to working hours which includes working evenings and weekends as part of the flexible working pattern. This includes participation in a standby rotation and a requirement to attend callouts within a specified time frame.
Participate in technician progression scheme.
At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility
Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme
We offer free car parking at most of our sites
Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave
Share your parental leave and split your time off to care for your child how you choose
Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes
We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme
Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform
Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers
Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more though Pennon Perks.
A discretionary Bonus
Competitive Contributory Pension
And plenty more!
Closing Date: 5th Aug 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.
