Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
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.
We are currently recruiting a Catchment Operator to join our Networks team in Barnstaple.


Joining us on a full-time, permanent basis. You will receive a competitive salary of £26,337 per annum with the opportunity to enter our company progression scheme. Levels range from 1 to 5 with a salary of up to £34,460 at Level 5. In addition to this, you will also receive a salary uplift allowance for taking part in the standby rota.


Core hours are 37 per week with a 1 in 5 week standby and call out rota, once training is complete.


As Catchment Operator within our Wastewater Networks team, you will be responsible for inspecting, maintaining and improving the sewerage network. This role is customer facing.
Duties:*Rapid response to and resolution of pollution and flooding events

*Blockage clearance and investigation of underlying causes

*CCTV survey of pipework and asset investigation

*Maintenance of small sewage pumping stations and CSOs

*Ensure Risk Assessments and Task Safety Instructions for work activity are adhered to and continually improved

*Using logic and initiative to assess on site problems and find an appropriate solution

*Ensuring all work completed provides the highest level of service to the customer, dealing with sensitive issues in a calm and reassuring manner and approaching all situations in a polite, friendly and approachable manner

*Provide resolution or escalate issues to management where appropriate

*Respond effectively to site conditions and monitoring information to ensure that compliance with environmental regulations is maintained

*Carry out first line maintenance on instruments & mechanical equipment

*Working independently using a single-man operated jetting vehicles, as well as working as an effective part of a team tackling larger issues support decision making and performance tracking across the team

What we are looking for:*5 GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, English and a Science subject

*Full UK Driving License

*Proficient in Microsoft packages

*Happy working outside in all conditions

What’s in it for you:*Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays

*A discretionary Bonus

*Competitive Contributory Pension

*Share-save Scheme

*Various health benefits

*Wellbeing support programmes

*A range of Group Discounts

*Cycle to Work Scheme

*Financial support services





Closing Date: 12th March 2026
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.