South East Water are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic individual to join the Water Quality Team. A good knowledge of drinking water quality, treatment and supply are required for this role. This Process Scientist role will be based at Pembury (Tunbridge Wells Kent) with daily responsibilities for water treatment sites in East Sussex and Kent. Although the role can cover all areas of South East Water.



The post holder will join the Process Science Team who are responsible for monitoring and optimising drinking water quality. The team provide advice and assistance to Production and Engineering on upgrades of existing assets to improve water quality and efficiency of treatment processes.

Tasks include:
* To monitor and optimise the operation of the Treatment Works to ensure that the quality of drinking water supplied by the Water Company continues to meet all internal and statutory requirements;
* Where appropriate, work closely with the relevant departments regarding the optimisation and improvement of the drinking water treatment processes, including Asset, Engineering and Operations.
* To undertake detailed investigations into causes of failures and incidents (WTW and reservoirs) and produce reports and recommendations regarding investigations
* Compile reports on a monthly failures and event reports in a timely manner
* Undertake internal quality audits as necessary to ensure that Treatment Works processes, procedures and practices are appropriate with respect to maintenance of Water Quality; produce detailed reports and recommendations regarding audits in a timely manner.
* Generation and monitoring of operational sampling programme (raw, process, and treated);
* To provide standby cover for emergencies and out of hours scientific service to the Water Company; (Duty Scientist).

Key requirements:
* Good knowledge of water supply, storage and treatment and water quality issues,
* experience in technical roles related to water quality/treatment science/engineering
* Analytical and interpretation skills relating to water quality data and investigations
* An understanding of water regulations and water hygiene would be advantageous
* Scientist with a degree in a relevant science would be advantageous
* Good knowledge of water chemistry and biology
* Strong IT skills and proven report writing skills
* Good interpersonal and communication skills
* Member of an appropriate professional organisation (CIWEM/IOW) would be advantageous
* Clean driving licence

This post is subject to a basic criminal record check and Right to Work in the UK.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, a minimum of 25 days annual leave, a stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme.

Please note, we reserve the right to close or extend this position depending on application numbers. Therefore we would urge candidates to submit an application as early as possible.