Treatment Operator - Waste Water

Most people don’t think too much about how clean water reaches their taps. Or what happens to their wastewater. 

But Scottish Water does. In fact, it’s all we think about. 

Want to join us? You’ll be on the front lines of making sure Scotland’s water is totally, dependably pure. 

What you’ll do

You’ll be part of a team of Waste Water Operatives based at Annan, Lockerbie and Troqueer WWTW working to protect Scotland’s environment - ensuring waste is managed responsibly and always looking for ways to do even more. On the one hand, it’s about meeting regulations. On the other, it’s about how we can go further – all the while doing what’s right for the environment.

Day-to-day, you’ll monitor and maintain treatment processes on wastewater – everything from sedimentation to filtration. Along the way, you’ll record the key numbers and file reports. Samples and test results play a big part too, and you’ll recommend ways to improve processes wherever possible. You’ll also oversee regular maintenance to help keep the site (and the water) running smoothly. 

What you’ll bring 

We’ll get you fully up-to-speed on the technical bits of the job. Before any of that, you’ll bring a way with words and be confident working on your own. 

Comfortable turning your mouse-clicking finger to new computer systems? Good, we like to move with the times. 

Attention to detail is a must. On your watch, the risk of inaccurate recordings or health and safety failures will be 0%. An eye for spotting changes and trends is helpful and of course, you’ll relish solving a problem.

– cards on the table – treatment plants don’t smell of cut grass and freshly baked bread – so you’ll need to be okay with a bit of a whiff. All for the good of Scotland’s water. 

Looking out for you

While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.

You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community. When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave.

And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working. For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), as well as life assurance.

As for some nice extras? You will participate in a company bonus scheme. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping. 

The not-so-small print

This role will be a Grade 4. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a starting salary of £31,640. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £36,460. 

Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. These checks are conducted on our behalf by a third party. Don’t worry - we’ll ask your permission before starting these checks. 

If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until the 20th July 2026 at midnight.