Network Planning Technician (NSA Planning Technician)

At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.

We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.

And we have huge ambitions.

Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.

So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.

Are you looking for an opportunity to apply your previous skills and experience, in a trusted and collaborative workplace?

We currently have a fantastic opportunity available for a Network Planning Technician to join our team based in Exeter.

This is a 37 hour per week, full-time permanent role, with a competitive salary package of up to £28000.

In the development of this role, you will be supported with a Networks & Leakage levels 1 to 5 progression scheme which will lead to an increase in salary, plus, overtime opportunities, company van + rewards.

About the role: As the Network Planning Technician, you will work within the local Network Service Alliance (NSA) depots to facilitate the attainment of the company supply interruption target through smart planning and deployment of AWS (Alternative Water Supply) equipment and resource to limit the impact of supply interruption events – planned and reactive.

This will include co-ordinating the field-based teams during supply interruption events, ensuring supply interruption data is gathered in a timely manner, harvesting of the information and presenting to the reporting team for hydraulic analysis, liaison with supply chain to facilitate R&M / Leakage / Developer Service and mains rehabilitation work on the distribution network, mitigating CML by planning AWS deployments, identification of future opportunity to improve the water distribution network and promote instances to the local management team for optimisation.

Progression Scheme: Our comprehensive employment package includes enrolment in a tailored progression scheme framework.

This scheme includes qualifications, skills, and experiences designed to help you advance to a Level 3 Diploma in Water Operations or a Management discipline.

The Company fully covers the £7,280 training costs for industry-recognized professional qualifications and licenses, offering scope for further growth within the Water Industry.

What You'll Be Doing:

Support the delivery of the company Supply Interruption ODI

Implement risk-based approach to supply interruption mitigation, plan for worst case each time

Co-ordinate the field-based teams during supply interruption events to ensure all aspects of the process are complete, including logger deployment, field event log completion etc.

Identify improvement opportunities for the water distribution network where optimisation will benefit in the future

Be a creative thinker relating to the operation of the network to overcome planned and reactive instances that could otherwise adversely impact the supply interruption ODI

Create accurate records of all interruptions to supplies in the area to furnish the reporting team with information to allow hydraulic post event analysis

Take ownership of supply interruption events and have a proactive approach to co-ordinating restoration through utilisation of a variety of options available through AWS equipment

Monitor work streams and maintain levels within the work basket to facilitate the rapid repair of mains bursts

Contribute to research and development opportunities presented to gain knowledge and understanding and also improving the future

Understanding of the risks and challenges the field base teams experience during the operation of the distribution network

Co ordinate the DOMS flushing programme to include the development of flushing schedules on a DMA basis and central recording of the area performance

Investigate scada alarms and ensure appropriate action is invoked by engaging with the Technical Services team where required to resolve in a timely fashion.

What We Are Looking For:

Essential

3 GCSEs at grades A-C or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject

Relevant experience in Water Supply - Water Distribution Activity preferred.

Proven ability to work within a team environment but also on your own initiative.

Proven ability to communicate and liaise effectively with internal and external customers in both verbal and written contexts.

Able to complete required administrative activities as and when required and to the required quality

Proven ability of using computer systems (which will include both, advanced Strumap, MS Office and Corporate applications.)

Desirable

ONC / City and Guilds in relevant subject or NVQ Water Distribution Control Level 2 standard of competence or HNC / Water Diploma.

Experience of other pipeline/process industries (for example, Gas, Chemical) considered.

What's In It For You?

At South West Water, we don’t all do the same job, but we each get out of bed in the morning knowing that every day is a chance to make incredible things happen, together. In return for our people’s hard work and commitment, we offer an excellent range of benefits:

Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

Buy or sell annual leave to offer you extra flexibility

Buy a bike and safety equipment tax-free, through our Cycle to Work scheme

We offer free car parking at the majority of our sites

Take up to 26 weeks’ additional maternity leave

Share your parental leave and split your time off to care for your child how you choose

Invest in Pennon Group plc through our employee share schemes

We support our people by offering a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Look after your wellbeing with our Champion Health support platform

Enjoy free eye tests and discounts on frames and lenses at Specsavers

Enjoy access to thousands of deals and discounts on supermarkets, high street shops, online retailers, travel, eating out, cinemas, gyms and much more though Perkbox

A range of group discounts: The Dell Advantage Programme, Virgin Media Affinity Scheme, Vodaphone Advantage and more

A discretionary Bonus

Competitive Contributory Pension

And plenty more!

Secondment

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.