As the Innovation Technician, you will be responsible for performing a range of practical activities including operation, routine checks, instrument cleaning and problem solving of Research & Development pilot plants and collection and analysis of samples to enable successful Research & Development projects’ delivery. As the beating heart of the team, you will work with the waste innovation team to bring unique innovations into Business as Usual (BAU).
What you will be doing as an Innovation Technician
- Collecting, storing, and transferring of samples taken for piloting trials. This will include collaboration with scientists to ensure that sampling methods are consistent to ensure robust results and conclusions can be drawn.
- Calibration and cleaning of instrumentation used for the monitoring of innovation trial work. This data will be included in operational logs.
- Work within a laboratory environment to complete jar testing and other small-scale experiments. This will also include sample analyses through desk top photometric analysers.
- Checking data from trial work for its consistency – providing feedback to scientists on quality (good and bad).
- Promote (and where necessary, enforce) the highest levels of H&S within the team, across the business and with all partners, at all times.
This is a Hybrid role based at Reading Sewage Treatment Works. However, depending on project requirements, the successful candidate should attend the office and other Thames Water sites.
36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Must have a valid UK driving licence.
What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:
- Experience working as a technician on piloting activities and in laboratories.
- A good working knowledge of analytical techniques and quality control procedures.
- Excellent practical skills and the ability to problem solve.
- Experience of cleaning and maintenance of instrumentation.
- Excellent log keeping for the operation of pilot plant and bench top experiments.
- Confident managing samples and keeping methodologies up-to-date.
- A strong team player with the ability to negotiate to get trial work completed in a timely manner.
It is desirable for you to have:
- Experience of wastewater treatment and associated processes.
- Working towards or gained EngTech or RSciTech status through the Engineering or Scientific Council’s.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary from £29,410 to £36,000 per annum depending on experience.
- 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON
- 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
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 a 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.