Role Details
Salary - £31,918
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Kendal Water Sampling Team and Laboratory, Unit 11 Moss End, Business Village, Crooklands, Kendal, LA7 7NU
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.5 Hours per Week
United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.
We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.
We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.
We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.
Job Purpose
To manage and carry out the process of gathering samples for regulatory and operational purposes including the undertaking of field testing activities in accordance with UKAS accreditation. To carry out all field tests for DWI and EA in compliance for regulation standards. To take samples and conduct field tests in order for the business to provide evidence to external stakeholders and regulators.
Samples are taken from all points from ‘bath to bay’ and ‘source to tap’ to include but not limited to process samples, compliance samples, environmental samples, mains repairs, customer complaints, incidents and events. On collection samples are transported (either directly or indirectly) to a laboratory for testing.
This role is fundamental in helping United Utilities Water achieve its sampling commitments.
Job Accountabilities
- To manage planned and reactive work, to determine which job allocation takes precedent in liaison with the various internal stakeholders for regulatory, non – regulatory and adhoc samples.
- To collect Water and Wastewater samples, following pre-determined Regulatory, Quality Procedures and Quality Instructions and liaise with external stakeholders. Samples are taken from all points from ‘bath to bay’ and ‘source to tap’ to include process samples, compliance samples, environmental samples, mains repairs, customer complaints, external customers, incidents and events and any business projects.
- To comply with security protocol and Health and Safety procedures and processes, risk assess and identify the best procedure to sample where pre-determined and quality instructions are not applicable.
- Perform field tests, for example, (pH, taste and odour, free and total chlorines, temperature, regulatory and operational processes). Take chlorine readings from designated chlorine meters at all treatment works for calibration and verification purposes.
- Samples taken by Water Quality Officers following pre-determined Quality Instructions according to UKAS, DWI, EA and company requirements.
- To create a positive interaction as a customer champion with customers and deliver excellent customer service. To help reduce and avoid customer complaints by creating a positive interaction with customers and delivering excellent customer service.
- To interpret and briefly explain the findings of field tests, including visual examination of the water supply, for customers who query the analysis. The sampling is a combination of planned and unplanned (cold call) activities, responding to customer complaints and requires a high degree of social skills to create a good image for the company.
- Submit the samples and field data to the Laboratory properly matched and linked to the daily sampling schedule, via appropriate current processes and using technology as required. The data normally being processed via electronic hand held device (PDA). To ensure that samples will meet strict time targets for delivery to the Laboratory.
- Operate the sampling vehicle safely so that incidents involving driver error are minimised
- Follow clearly defined Analytical Quality Control Instructions to monitor the quality of the testing carried out in the field and reporting exceptional "out of control" results to strict timescales. Verification and maintenance of equipment to minimise out of control results.
- To assist in the provision of a full 24 hours per day incidents and emergencies service for sampling and sample transportation to the Laboratory.
Knowledge and Skills
- A high degree of social skills for working in a customer orientated environment. Experienced in dealing with difficult customers whilst being able to provide information and advice to customer queries.
- Able to maintain and update UKAS and DWI accreditation standards and practices.
- Able to work on their own initiative and have excellent problem solving skills.
- Clean driving licence.
- Basic computer skills to data entry is essential.
- Basic knowledge of disinfection principles, water and wastewater treatment.
- Maintain relevant and up to date Continuous Professional Development (CPD) records to meet the requirements of DWI regulation 16.
- Minimum of NVQ level 2, or 5 GCSE's including Maths, English and Science.
- Team working and communication skills will be an integral requirement for the role.