Slow Sand Filter Water Production Operator

We currently have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to take on the important role of Slow Sand Filter Operator. This will be working out of our Water Production Site at Ashford Common - TW15 1RU.

As a successful candidate, you will play a key part in the water treatment process here at Ashford Common. We are looking for someone who is going to take pride in the work that they and the team do every day, always striving for the highest standards.

 You will be working in a small, dedicated team responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Slow Sand Filters (SSF) at our Water Treatment Works, to ensure the highest levels of clean drinking water to supply our customers in Reading and the surrounding area.

You will be performing a range of assigned activities including routine checks, maintenance and operating mobile plant to ensure that services are delivered to time, cost, and quality standards.

What you’ll be doing as the Slow Sand Filter Water Production Operator

• Routine checks, maintenance, and operating mobile plant to ensure that services are delivered to time, cost, and quality standards.
• The three key areas are skimming filters, the removal/ relaying of granular activated carbon (GAC), and the re-sanding of SSFs.
• Use of specialist mobile plants, including skimmers, loading shovels, dumpers, and excavators. Slow Sand Filter Technicians also operate the Floatex plant (Sand Washer) and GAC separation plants as well as the mobile crane.
• General site housekeeping, plant checks, and maintenance.
• Adherence to legal and company health, safety, and hygiene regulations.

Base Location: Ashford Common - TW15 1RU.
Working pattern: Monday – Friday 07:30- 16:17, which means you will get Friday off every 2 weeks. (38 hours per week)

What you should bring to the role

• Be a self-motivated person who can immerse themselves into 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 it the first time.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to interact with the team.
• Basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
• Ready to be trained in safety procedures.
• Preferably, have a 7 Tonne Dumper licence or be prepared to obtain it.
• 360 Excavator, Loading Shovel and Sand Skimmer experience would be an advantage, but be prepared to obtain it.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary from £27,465 per annum, depending on level of experience.
• Full training package and PPE are provided.
• Annual Leave 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, 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

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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, 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.