Wessex Water

We have a great opportunity for an Assistant Scientist to join our dedicated Laboratory team in Saltford.

In this role, you will utilise your interest in science to support our customer commitment programme. This involves providing drinking water and wastewater recycling services to a wide customer base, while also protecting the environment.

If you have a desire to use your current scientific knowledge and put it to practical use, we want to hear from you!

What you'll do

Our Scientific Centre at Saltford, which uses state-of-the-art instruments and methodology, plays an integral part in delivering excellence to our customers.

Our work helps ensure that we provide the highest quality drinking water and sewerage treatment services to our 2.9 million customers across the South West of England.

We operate seven days a week, testing both drinking and wastewater. We also provide a service for external customers, such as local authorities, drinking water providers and environmental consultants.

As an Assistant Scientist, you will be analysing potable and wastewater samples which have come from across the region.

You will be responsible for the registration of samples onto our LIMS and their analysis, using a variety of manual and instrumental methods, such as microbiological and chemical testing.

This role is team-based and highly methodical so a keen eye for detail and consistency is key.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve:

• registering supply samples
• analysing potable and wastewater samples
• keeping meticulous records to comply with our quality requirements
• working safely in a laboratory environment
• maintaining and running equipment and instruments
• communicating and interacting with the Scientists, Senior Scientists and other members of the team
• entering data into company systems.

What you'll need

You will have GCSEs in maths and English, and an A-level in Chemistry / Science. Previous experience working within a laboratory environment is helpful but certainly not essential as full practical training will be provided.

Our team's technical knowledge and expertise are especially vital to our work, so we offer everyone a range of tailored development opportunities to enable you to progress through the competency framework at a pace which is right for you on your journey to becoming a Scientist.

Your personal training programme will include support to attain professional qualification or accreditation as well as other development courses. 

Due to the nature of the work, an interest in Chemistry will be beneficial. Vital to this role is having a great eye for detail, a methodical approach and being a great team player.

What you'll receive

• Total pension contributions up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary, subject to conditions.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West.
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 350 acre former airfield into an award winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community.
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors.
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 19,000 capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space.
• Plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.  

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.