Pennon Group Plc
Water Quality Scientist
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Water Quality Scientist
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
At Bristol Water, we’ve been serving generations of families since 1846. Ensuring people in our communities have access to healthy water is paramount, which is why we work around the clock testing our water hundreds of times a day.
We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Job Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Water Quality Scientist to join our dedicated Water Quality team. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a key role in protecting public health by ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water from source to tap.
You will combine scientific expertise, analytical thinking, and operational insight to monitor, investigate, and continuously improve water quality across the supply system.
Key Responsibilities
Water Quality Assurance & Compliance
Safeguard water quality from source through treatment and distribution to customer taps Ensure compliance with drinking water quality standards and relevant UK legislation Monitor water quality through laboratory data, telemetry systems, and operational feedback
Investigation & Problem Solving
Analyse sample results to identify trends, risks, or failures Lead investigations into water quality incidents at treatment works and within the network Identify root causes and implement corrective actions to protect public health
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Operational & Technical Support
Provide scientific expertise to operational, asset management, and project teams Support design, construction, and commissioning of water-related projects Advise on process optimisation and operational improvements
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Respond to and resolve customer enquiries relating to water quality Act as a key contact for regulatory bodies (e.g., Drinking Water Inspectorate, UK Health Security Agency, Environmental Health) Communicate complex scientific information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
Continuous Improvement & Community Engagement
Contribute to water quality improvement programmes and risk reduction initiatives Support community education and awareness on water quality matters Identify and promote innovative solutions to improve operational performance
Standby & Emergency Response
Participate in the Water Quality Duty Scientist standby rota (24/7 operational support)
Essential
Skills & Experience Required
Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., Water Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Engineering) Strong understanding of: Water treatment processes Water distribution systems Drinking water standards and regulatory frameworks in the UK (Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations) Analytical ability to interpret complex data and perform scientific calculations Strong verbal communication and stakeholder engagement skills Proficiency in IT systems (particularly Microsoft Word and Excel) Full UK Driving Licence Desirable
Knowledge of: Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations UK water industry regulatory environment Experience working within water treatment or similar industrial processes Personal Attributes
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Analytical and detail-oriented with a problem-solving mindset Strong team player with the ability to influence and collaborate across functions Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines Confident communicating technical information to diverse audiences Comfortable working in operational environments, including: Working at height Confined spaces Closing Date: 17th July 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Bristol Water has been proudly providing an essential public water service to the communities within and surrounding the city of Bristol since 1846.
We supply water to 500,000 homes and businesses across Bristol City, North Somerset and areas of Bath, North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire. That's about 1.2m people who have access to our water every day!
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