Specialist Shift Operator

We are looking for a Process Shift Technician to join our team at the Gateway Desalination Plant permanently.

As the successful candidate, you will be responsible for the effective day-to-day running of Thames Gateway Water Treatment works. Thames Gateway is a unique site as it is the only Desalination site currently in the UK and uses ultrafiltration and Reverse Osmosis as part of the treatment process. This is done by using SCADA and responding to specific situations to ensure the relevant processes are brought under control or escalated to an event.

At times, you may be required to be the responsible person on-site and will direct the Process Technicians to ensure that services are delivered in accordance with standards.

What you’ll be doing as the Specialist Shift Operator

- Being responsible for completing daily process/water quality tests on the various treatment processes, receiving chemical deliveries, as well as working with our maintenance team to ensure the effective and continuous operation of our site.
- Ensure priority of delivering wholesome water.
- Monitoring, collating, and reporting data to ensure that statutory and regulatory compliance is met, and the site meets regulatory quality standards and customer demand.
- Interpreting and assessing trends on SCADA, where necessary.
- Carrying out daily routine tasks such as stock checks, site safety checks, H&S compliance, and inventory management.
- Optimising plant performance and availability.
- Manage/Liaise with contractors to ensure compliance with Safe Systems of Work.
- Undertaking complex isolations to ensure the plant is safely maintained and to ensure the safety of any plant being worked on.
- Processing faults and advising suitable rectification by first fix, raising issues to the Maintenance Scheduler or Manager as required.
- Assisting with on-site capital project works, coordinating maintenance and operational personnel, and raising reactive work when required.
- Undertaking safety and security checks and taking responsibility for the health and safety of yourself and your colleagues.
- Undergo training in safety procedures, including confined space entry.

Base Location: Thames Gateway WTW, Jenkins Lane, Beckton, IG11 0AD.

Working Pattern: 12-hour shifts on a 1 in 6 Rota.

Due to the nature of this role, you must hold a full UK driver's Licence.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:

- Process and/or water treatment experience, and is hands-on and practical with impeccable attention to detail and troubleshooting skills.
- You will have basic literacy and numeracy skills with effective communication.
- The ability to work unsupervised and be prepared to work both day and night shift on a 12-hour shift pattern (and where cover is required).
- Trained in safety procedures, including Confined Space Entry, or willingness to do so.
- Fully competent at using the appropriate Company IT systems and Office software.
- Previous experience or knowledge of SCADA systems would be beneficial.
- Be a self-motivated individual who can immerse themselves in the team around them. You need to be very disciplined, have the desire to learn from those around you, and have a can-do attitude. This role can be demanding at times, but very rewarding too.
- Take Ownership of responding quickly to faults, being curious to fully understand the problem, and identifying the best solution to resolve.
- Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the team.

What’s in it for you?

- Competitive salary up to £40,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .