Water Quality Scientist

**Who are we?**
Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to our 15 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing.??
At Thames Water, every one of our actions, big and small, matters every day. Water is essential to life, so our business is always open.
We are looking for a Water Quality Scientist to join Thames Water.
We are offering a starting salary between £27,000.00 - £34,000.00 depending on skills, experience, and location.
**About the role**:

- As a Distribution Water Quality Scientist, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise in the field of drinking water quality and clean water distribution systems. Working within a small team of network water quality scientists, you will engagewith operational teams in the field as well as carry out office-based projects and activities. In doing this, you will ensure the protection of public health and deliver excellent customer service.
- A primary focus for a Water Quality Scientist is ensuring appropriate investigation of water quality failures, events and complex customer complaints are carried out. This involves determining the root cause and proposing appropriate measures to mitigateidentified risks, thereby reducing the likelihood of future recurrence.For network water quality events, you may also be required to take on the role of event scientist, providing advice regarding the protection of public health and compliance with drinkingwater regulations.
- Technical expertise will also be utilised when providing water quality approval for operational activities in the network through the company’s permit-to-work risk assessment system.
- The team play a pivotal role in providing technical guidance relating to the operation and maintenance of the distribution system. You will provide technical assistance relating to Production and Network operations, Developer Services for new connections,and R&D relating to projects and in the field of bulk supplies between companies. In addition, you’ll report on performance and risk to ensure appropriate investment and continued compliance with water quality requirements.

**Key areas of responsibility will include**:

- Take responsibility for investigations into failures of network water quality parameters and complex or long-running customer complaints.
- Act as event scientist for network water quality events, providing advice regarding the protection of public health.
- Review permit-to-work requests, providing water quality approval as appropriate.
- Provide technical input to relevant network operations, in particular relating to source change
- Establish relationships with internal stakeholders to promote the protection of public health, and ensure appropriate network investment and continued compliance with water quality requirements.

**To be successful, you will have the following skills and experience**:

- A scientific background and preferably an HNC or Degree (or equivalent) in a scientific discipline.
- Relevant experience within the water industry.
- An understanding of the current legislation and regulatory and operational requirements surrounding water quality would be advantageous.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills are key as the role involves liaising with internal stakeholders on a day-to-day basis.
- The ability to build strong working relationships is essential.
- Organised and able to work in a methodical and analytical manner.
- Strong team player who can make decisions autonomously, particularly when dealing with events.
- Good IT skills (MS Office) are essential.
- A basic knowledge of GIS (Geographic Information System) would be advantageous.
- Travel to other sites is a requirement of this role and a valid UK driving license is therefore essential.

**What’s in it for you?**
Our competitive salary package includes an excellent contributory pension, 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with length of service and a wider benefits schemeincluding our benefits hub,which is packed full of offers and information to save you moneyand support your well-being.
Thames Water is a dynamic, rewarding, and diverse place to work, with opportunities around every corner.If you join our team, you’ll enjoy a fulfilling career and flexible working arrangements.
Find out more about working at Thames Water
We deliver life's essential service so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive. This means, when a crisis happens, we all rally round to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customerson the frontline as an Ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and a earn bit of extra money along the way.