Graduate Wastewater Scientist

Wastewater compliance is a growing area at Wessex Water and as a result, we are looking for graduates and junior candidates who are keen to learn about a new area and join an exciting team.   

The wastewater compliance team is responsible for:  

• understanding current and new regulations and legislation related to wastewater and sludge compliance, making sure Wessex Water understands and complies with these regulations
• providing advice and guidance to the teams responsible for running our sites (primarily wastewater treatment centres, bioresource sites and the sewerage network)
• submitting data and information to our regulators (primarily the Environment Agency, EA) as required - these are usually monthly and annual data submissions, but they can also be ad-hoc requests
• providing information to the EA following unplanned incidents such as pollutions or permit breaches 

This is an 18-month FTC position.

What you'll do 

The new graduate role will support the team to deliver these requirements.

There will be opportunities to develop in the role and work on different areas within the team, after initial training has been completed.  

The initial areas of focus will be:  

• assisting the Pollutions team to provide information and reports to the EA in a timely fashion
• supporting the team with technical administration, including logging formal communications from regulators and helping the team respond.

What you'll need 

To be successful, you will need to be a team player who is willing to be proactively involved in delivering the team requirements.

Communication within the team is key for workload management, learning and sharing current information, and keeping on top of current team priorities.  

The role is a development role and therefore industry experience is not required. However, any experience or interest in the water industry, sewage treatment or the environment will be an advantage. 

You will either have work experience in a science field or be A level or degree level qualified in a science-related subject. 

We are particularly looking for the following skills: 

• good report writing 
• ability to manage tight timescales  
• good attention to detail  
• the ability to manage a variety of workstreams simultaneously and prioritise work accordingly 
• professional communication style  
• proactive approach to work and identifying areas where you can support the team. 

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of 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.