Water Quality Officer

Reed Talent Solutions are working with United Utilities on the search for a Water Quality Officer to join the United Utilities team at their Alston Spade Mill location.

Why work at United Utilities?

Unities Utilities believe in the power of diversity, and they're excited to welcome candidates from all backgrounds. The goal is to build a team that reflects the richness of the diverse customer base.

To be successful in this role you will need to be able to prioritise your workload, react quickly and work accurately. The role holder will perform the role with integrity, sensitivity, and empathy.

Who are United Utilities?

United Utilities, are proud to be an essential service provider to seven million customers across the North West. It is their job to bring three million households and 200,000 businesses clean, clear water and to take their waste-water away so the customers can simply get on with their day. Currently 5,000 employees are key to achieving their ambitious vision and plans and all work together to provide a great service to the customers.

What important information do you need to know?

• Job title - Water Quality Officer
• Pay rate - £16.54 per hour
• Location - Whitebull Treatment Plant 308, Preston Rd, Alston, Lancashire, PR3 3BL
• 6 month contract
• Start date: ASAP
• Working hours - between 8am - 4pm Mon-Fri, 1 in 7 stand-in rota - 1 in 7 weekends you will be working

To manage and carry out the process of gathering samples for regulatory and operational purposes including the undertaking of field testing activities in accordance with UKAS accreditation. To carry out all field tests for DWI and EA in compliance for regulation standards. To take samples and conduct field tests in order for the business to provide evidence to external stakeholders and regulators.

Samples are taken from all points from 'bath to bay’ and 'source to tap’ to include but not limited to process samples, compliance samples, environmental samples, mains repairs, customer complaints, incidents and events. On collection samples are transported (either directly or indirectly) to a laboratory for testing.

This role is fundamental in helping United Utilities Water achieve its sampling commitments.

Accountabilities

• To manage planned and reactive work which arises during the working day, to determine which job allocation takes precedent in liaison with the various internal stakeholders for regulatory, non - regulatory and ad hoc samples.
• Perform field tests, for example, (pH, taste and odour, free and total chlorines, temperature, regulatory and operational processes). Take chlorine readings from designated chlorine meters at all treatment works for calibration and verification purposes.
• Samples taken by Water Quality Officers following pre-determined Quality Instructions according to UKAS, DWI, EA and company requirements.
• To create a positive interaction as a customer champion with customers and deliver excellent customer service. To help reduce and avoid customer complaints by creating a positive interaction with customers and delivering excellent customer service.
• To interpret and briefly explain the findings of field tests, including visual examination of the water supply, for customers who query the analysis. The sampling is a combination of planned and unplanned (cold call) activities, responding to customer complaints and requires a high degree of social skills to create a good image for the company.
• Submit the samples and field data to the Laboratory properly matched and linked to the daily sampling schedule, via appropriate current processes and using technology as required. The data normally being processed via electronic hand held device (PDA). To ensure that samples will meet strict time targets for delivery to the Laboratory.
• Operate the sampling vehicle safely so that incidents involving driver error are minimised
• Follow clearly defined Analytical Quality Control Instructions to monitor the quality of the testing carried out in the field and reporting exceptional "out of control" results to strict timescales. Verification and maintenance of equipment to minimise out of control results.
• To assist in the provision of a full 24 hours per day incidents and emergencies service for sampling and sample transportation to the Laboratory.
• Partake in the provision of a weekend and bank holiday sampling service on a contractual basis.
• To train and mentor other Water Quality Officers in all aspects of the role, from all sampling and analytical procedures through to keeping and maintaining all UKAS procedures and documents.

Skills and Knowledge

• A high degree of social skills for working in a customer orientated environment. Experienced in dealing with difficult customers whilst being able to provide information and advice to customer queries.
• Able to maintain and update UKAS and DWI accreditation standards and practices.
• Able to work on their own initiative and have excellent problem solving skills.
• Clean driving licence.
• Basic computer skills to data entry is essential.
• Basic knowledge of disinfection principles, water and wastewater treatment.
• Maintain relevant and up to date Continuous Professional Development (CPD) records to meet the requirements of DWI regulation 16.
• Minimum of NVQ level 2, or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science.
• Team working and communication skills will be an integral requirement for the role.

We are looking for the right candidate to start immediately, if you have the relevant experience and would like to find out more, please don't hesitate to reach out!