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 goal? Net zero by 2030, supported by partnerships with Wildlife Trusts and National Parks.

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 are currently recruiting a Sewage Pumping Stations Operator to join our team in Plympton.

Joining us on a 12 month fixed term contract, you will receive a competitive salary of £26,337 per annum. You will also receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby rota.

Core hours are 37 per week with a 1 in 5 week standby and call out rota, once training is complete. 

As a Sewage pumping stations operator, you will operate and maintain multiple pump stations within the area.

Duties:

• Written reports in real-time to the required standard, to support decision making and performance tracking across the team

• The completion of reactive and planned work across the sewerage network to the highest standard of workmanship including but not limited to rapid response to and resolution of pollution and flooding events, blockage clearance and investigation of underlying causes and maintenance of small sewage pumping stations and CSOs

• Ensuring Risk Assessments and Task Safety Instructions for work activity are adhered to

• Assess on-site problems and find appropriate solutions

• Ensuring all work completed provides the highest level of service to the customer, dealing with sensitive issues in a calm and reassuring manner and approaching all situations in a polite, friendly and approachable manner

• Responding effectively to site conditions and monitoring information to ensure that compliance with environmental regulations is maintained

• Responding rapidly and effectively to reports of suspected pollution events

• Carrying out first-line maintenance on instruments & mechanical equipment

• Working independently using a single-man operated jetting vehicles, as well as working as an effective part of a team tackling larger issues

• Undertaking standby and call-outs and working evenings and weekends on a rota basis

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience within a practical role would be beneficial, however our company induction will provide you with all the training you need to get started!

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject

• Full UK Driving License

• Proficient in Microsoft packages

• Happy working outside in all conditions

What's in it for you:

• 23 days starting holiday allowance plus bank holidays

• A discretionary Bonus

• Competitive Contributory Pension

• company progression scheme

• Share save Scheme

• Various health benefits

• Wellbeing support programmes

• A range of Group Discounts

• Progression Scheme

Closing Date: Monday 9th January 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.