We currently have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to take on the important role of Slow Sand Filter Operator. This will be working out of our Water Production Site at Reading - Fobney - RG2 0SF.
As a successful candidate, you will play a key part in the water treatment process here at Fobney - Reading. We are looking for someone who is going to take pride in the work that they and the team do every day, always striving for the highest standards.
You will be working in a small, dedicated team responsible for the cleaning and maintenance of the Slow Sand Filters (SSF) at our Water Treatment Works, to ensure the highest levels of clean drinking water to supply our customers in Reading and the surrounding area.
You will be performing a range of assigned activities, including routine checks, maintenance and operating mobile plant to ensure that services are delivered to time, cost, and quality standards.

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.
The 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. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support you.
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, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING AS THE SLOW SAND FILTER WATER PRODUCTION OPERATOR

• Routine checks, maintenance, and operating mobile plant to ensure that services are delivered to time, cost, and quality standards.
• The three key areas are skimming filters, the removal/ relaying of granular activated carbon (GAC), and the resanding of SSFs.
• Use of specialist mobile plants, including skimmers, loading shovels, dumpers, and excavators. Slow Sand Filter Technicians also operate the Floatex plant (Sand Washer) and GAC separation plants, as well as the mobile crane when required.
• General site housekeeping, plant checks, and maintenance.
• Adherence to legal and company health, safety, and hygiene regulations is essential.
  Base Location: Reading - Fobney - RG2 0SF.
  Working pattern: 38 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 07:30- 15:36.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING TO THE ROLE

• Be a self-motivated individual who can immerse themselves into the team around them, you need to be very disciplined, have the desire to learn from those around you and have a can-do attitude. This role can be demanding at times, but very rewarding too.
• Take Ownership of responding quickly to faults, being curious to fully understand the problem, and identifying the best solution to resolve it the first time.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with the team.
• Basic literacy, numeracy and digital skills.
• Must be prepared to be trained in safety procedures.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ideally, have a 7-tonne dumper licence or be prepared to obtain it.
• 360 Excavator, Loading Shovel and Sand Skimmer experience would be an advantage, but not essential, but be prepared to obtain it.