Water Process Operative

SES Water has a rich history of serving communities in the South East of England. Water plays an important role in our lives, which is why we’re committed to supplying our customers with access to 160 million litres of safe, reliable, clean water every day.

We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.

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.

About the Role

As a Water Process Operative, you'll help deliver safe, high-quality drinking water to our customers by operating and monitoring treatment works, pumping stations, and reservoirs across the network. This is a varied, hands-on role combining process control, site inspections, problem-solving, and operational monitoring.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operating and monitoring water treatment processes.
• Taking water samples and recording compliance results.
• Monitoring site performance using SCADA systems.
• Responding to alarms, faults, and operational issues.
• Carrying out site safety, security, and housekeeping checks.
• Working with colleagues and contractors to maintain operational performance.
• Supporting planned and reactive maintenance activities.
• Participating in a standby and shift rota to maintain customer water supplies.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).
• Experience working in a similar operational or industrial environment.
• Basic IT skills.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible approach to work and participation in shift and standby rotas.

Benefits

• 25+ Days Holiday – More time to rest and recharge.
• Buy & Sell Holiday – Flex your leave to suit your lifestyle.
• Competitive Pension – Helping you plan for the future.
• Life Assurance – Financial protection for your loved ones.
• Enhanced Family Leave – Extra support when family matters most.
• Share Schemes – Become a shareholder and share in our success.
• Health Cash Plan – Support towards everyday healthcare costs.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 wellbeing and financial support.
• Free Flu Vaccination – Helping you stay healthy.
• Free On-site Parking – Easier and more affordable commuting.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save money and stay active.
• Car Share Scheme – Reduce travel costs and emissions.
• Volunteering Day – Give back to your local community.
• Give As You Earn – Simple, tax-efficient charitable giving.
• Retail Discounts – Savings on everyday shopping and leisure.

Closing Date: 29th Sept 2026

We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

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.

• Division
• SES Water
• Department
• Operations and Field Work
• Locations
• Kenley, Godstone
• Yearly salary
• £28,000 - £34,000
• Employment type
• Full-time
• About SES Water

SES Water supply 160 million litres of clean water every day to over 750,000 people in parts of Surrey, Kent and south London.

Our supply area is 322 square miles extending from Morden and South Croydon in the north to Gatwick Airport in the south and from Cobham, Leatherhead and Dorking in the west to Edenbridge in the east.