Water Quality Distribution Scientist 2025

Do you want an important role which ensures the water we supply for drinking and hygiene is wholesome and meets the highest quality?

Do you enjoy taking a detail orientated and organised approach to your work? Do you have proven analytical and problem-solving skills?

If the answer is yes, this is your opportunity to make a real difference to your local community…

We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

In this role, you’ll ensure the water we supply to our customers is wholesome and meets both our own and regulatory quality standards. When customers report issues with their water, you’ll investigate and identify action that will stop problems from reoccurring. Our distribution network is vast, with over 9,000 miles of pipes. So, your ability to analyse, interpret data and take a proactive approach to issues will be valuable here.

Coming with a background in water quality is advantageous but not essential. You’ve a scientific background, or a logical approach to solving problems and a willingness to learn. You’ll work collaboratively with our Operations, Laboratory, Assets and Customer Services teams to ensure we meet our internal and external targets.

As a Water Quality team, we provide a varied workload that involves using a range of water treatment, production and distribution processes and techniques. We’re also open to new ways of working. You’ll get plenty room to share your experience and ideas. We provide a company vehicle and the training you need to work in the field successfully.

What do you get from working at South East Water?

You’ll grow a career with a meaningful purpose. Be you, belong and be valued.

• Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
• We will encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
• A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
• Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.

What will you mainly be responsible for delivering?

• You’ll analyse and interpret datasets for root cause analysis of water quality issues.
• You’ll design, implement and report on investigations of water quality issues in the distribution system.
• You will join in undertaking water quality audits.
• You’ll work alongside our Operations Department on distribution system operation.
• You’ll advise on customer water quality complaints of a technical nature.
• You’ll investigate water quality related customer complaints to identify trends.

What do you bring to the role?

• You’ll have a high standard of data analysis, interpretation and investigation skills.
• You’ll ideally hold a Science Degree in a relevant field.
• You’ll come with some knowledge of Water Chemistry and Biology.
• Knowledge of distribution mains network operations would be beneficial.
• Having an understanding of water regulations and water hygiene would be advantageous.
• You’ll need to have knowledge of potential water quality hazards, specifically those occurring in the distribution system.
• You won’t mind some travelling and will have a clean driver’s licence.

What can you expect from us?

• This role can be based out our Pembury, Kent office.
• Company vehicle will be provided for when you are working in the field.
• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 25 days holiday entitlement.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health care plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

Everyone needs water south east water welcomes everyone

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

What to expect from your recruitment

• You may be asked to complete a short suite of psychometric assessments (you’ll receive feedback too).
• You will be asked to complete satisfactory DBS, identity and employment referencing checks as part of receiving your employment offer from South East Water.

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!

Job types fulltime permanent

Pay: £30,659.00-£35,800.00 per year

Benefits

• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance

Schedule

Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person