Bathing Water Investigation Technician

Closing Date

2026-11-25

Job Title: Bathing Water Investigation Technicians

Location: We are looking for candidates across Kent, Sussex and Hampshire

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary: circa £35,000 depending on skills and experience

Additional information: this is primarily a field-based role. A company vehicle will be supplied

Bathing water quality can be impacted by several factors including leaking or damaged sewers, storm overflows, agricultural runoff, illegal connections, seabird or other animal waste, incorrect disposal of waste and other marine activities. The Bathing Water Investigation Technicians will proactively investigate pollutions, namely household waste, reaching the local environment via the surface water sewer network. This work is critical especially for protecting and enhancing bathing waters. The purpose of the role is to use a range of techniques and technical knowledge to monitor the surface water network, trace the issue to its source and then liaise with person(s) responsible for the misconnection through to resolution, reporting key milestones along the way.

Several brand-new positions have been created to join our Clean Rivers & Seas Task Force as Bathing Water Investigation Technicians across the region.

What you will be responsible for

• Conduct investigations in agreed locations, tracing and monitoring flow passing though the surface water network.

• Liaising with key internal stakeholders including Bathing Water project team, Pollutions Team, Wastewater Network Teams and external organisations outside the business including the Environment Agency and Local Council Environmental Health officers.

• Engage with our customers in a professional manner and demonstrate use of the 5 E's approach: Explain, Empathise, Educate, Encourage, Enforce.

• Investigation admin, complete reports, produce and send letters, provide weekly updates.

• Complete project work and ad-hoc tasks in the timeframes set by the workstream owners.

What you'll bring to the role

• Knowledge of the surface sewer system/wastewater networks is desirable.
• Solution driven, tenacious with a curious mindset.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• An ability to self-manage workload and time management along with being self-motivated.
• Basic IT/Microsoft Office skills.
• Flexible approach to working hours when required and willingness to travel where necessary within the Southern Water region.

• Water Industry knowledge would be an advantage but not essential.
• Passion for the environment and for wanting to make a difference.

Interview Process

For this role we will be holding an assessment day at our Durrington office on the 10th of December between 9:00am - 14:00pm.

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain's water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

"Our mission is to protect and enhance life through water-and we need passionate people to help us achieve it. If you're inspired by our purpose and believe you can contribute, apply today. You don't need to meet every criterion; what matters most is your drive to make a difference."

If this role isn't quite what you're looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional information

In line with Southern Water's security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.

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