Water Quality Pilot Scientist

South West Water

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profile Job Location:

Bristol - UK

profile Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed
Posted on: 22 hours ago
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

At Bristol Water weve been making people healthier and the economy stronger since 1846. Weve served generations of families and will serve generations to come.
Were here to have a positive impact on people and the planet for generations. We dont just give people water - we keep them healthy and help them grow. We work around the clock testing our water hundreds of times every day.
We take this same view with our 600 employees we dont just give them jobs in water we keep them healthy and help them grow.

Were one of the smallest water companies in the UK. Being small means were nimble and can achieve things quickly for our customers and our people.
But while were small were also part of a larger June 2021 we became part of the Pennon group which also owns South West Water and Bournemouth Water.
This means that as part of our team youll get the best of both worlds the dynamism and fast pace of a smaller company along with the security and breadth of opportunity that comes with being part of a large organisation.

Are you ready to dive into cutting-edge water treatment innovation and help shape the future of drinking water quality in the UK At Bristol Water were on a mission to deliver world-class water while protecting our environment and were looking for a scientist with curiosity drive and a passion for discovery to join us on this journey.


About the role

As our Water Quality Pilot Scientist youll be at leading cutting edge research into flat sheet ceramic membrane technology - a rare opportunity to operate test and analyse a novel water treatment solution that could transform how we supply clean safe water to our communities.

In this role youll take the lead on daily operation of our pilot plant design and deliver monitoring programmes turn complex data into actionable insight and present your findings to internal teams and industry experts.
Its hands-on intellectually challenging and packed with opportunities to make a real impact.

What youll be doing

    • Running and maintaining our ceramic membrane pilot plant. Testing different operations assessing membrane performance optimising backwashes and sustainability metrics.
    • Designing and delivering a robust monitoring plan to compare pilot performance against existing and alternative solutions.
    • Evaluating water quality costs chemical usage carbon impacts waste generation and more.
    • Creating dashboards visuals and reports that bring the science to life.
    • Presenting progress insights and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
    • Working closely with internal teams operators chemical engineers and external technology partners.
    • Leading research into broader water quality challenges and helping shape future operational practices.
    • Developing training guidance and best-practice materials for safe pilot plant operation

What were looking for

    • Youll thrive here if youre curious autonomous and motivated to push the boundaries of whats possible. Were looking for:
    • A degree (or equivalent) in a scientific or engineering discipline
    • Demonstrated experience in scientific investigations research or product trials
    • Strong understanding of water treatment processes or chemical/process engineering
    • Excellent communication skills. Written verbal and data-driven
    • Experience with reporting tools (Power BI Business Objects PRISM/Scopex)
    • A full UK driving licence
    • Youll also bring an innovative mindset a positive approach and the confidence to work both independently and within a tight-knit team

Whats in it for you

    • As well as a working in a great supportive team the role also offers:
    • Bonus opportunity
    • 27 days holiday plus bank holidays (you can also buy/ sell up to 5 days)
    • Pension: We put in 10% if you put in 6%
    • Flexible supportive friendly working environment
    • Access to flexible benefits and discounts via our portal
    • Opportunity for some home working if agreed by manager
    • Free onsite parking when youre in the office
36000 - 40000 a year
Youll collaborate with a fantastic cross-section of Bristol Water from Water Quality Scientists and operators on the ground to managers engineers project teams and specialist external partners from research institutions to pilot plant manufacturers.

Expect plenty of teamwork knowledge exchange and opportunities to influence the future of water treatment across the business.

At Bristol Water youre not just joining a company youre becoming part of a purpose-driven team that cares deeply about people the environment and doing the right thing.

Youll play a leading role in real-world scientific innovation gain experience at the intersection of research and operations and contribute directly to ensuring safe sustainable water for our region.

No budget responsibility no direct reports just pure scientific impact and the freedom to explore ideas that matter.
If youre excited by scientific discovery motivated by real-world impact and ready for a role where every day brings new insight wed love to hear from you.
Closing Date: 12th December 2025
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 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.
At Bristol Water weve been making people healthier and the economy stronger since 1846. Weve served generations of families and will serve generations to come.Were here to have a positive impact on people and the planet for generations. We dont just give people water - we keep them healthy and help ...
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Key Skills

  • Quality Assurance
  • Transportation Management Systems
  • Data Collection
  • Military Experience
  • Agriculture
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Library Services
  • Microsoft Powerpoint
  • LMS
  • Teaching
  • Exercise Planning
  • Aviation Experience

About Company

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We're the water and wastewater service provider for around 1.8 million customers in Cornwall, Devon, parts of Somerset and Dorset and the Isles of Scilly.

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