Operational Technician

At Severn Trent, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re in the top 5% of utility companies worldwide when it comes to employee engagement and ranked as a Top 50 UK Employer on Glassdoor. Join us in making a positive impact on the environment and our communities, while being valued and supported in a truly inclusive workplace.

If you want to do more, because you care, we want you on our team.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

As an Operational Technician of the Bioresources Staffordshire team, you will play a key role in a highly engaged and high-performing team responsible for sludge treatment, renewable energy generation, and the production of high-quality biosolids.

The Bioresources Operational Team is responsible for operating, maintaining, and optimising sludge treatment facilities across the Severn Trent region. The team maximises renewable energy generation through the production of biomethane gas and electricity, supporting Severn Trent's commitment to reducing carbon emissions. In addition, the team ensures the production of high-quality biosolids in line with the Biosolids Assurance Scheme (BAS) and Farming Rules for Water, helping maintain strong and trusted relationships with the agricultural community.

In this role, you will undertake operational activities that ensure treatment processes remain compliant with environmental and regulatory requirements, while identifying opportunities to optimise performance, improve efficiency, and maximise renewable energy generation. A key aspect of the role involves monitoring process health, analysing operational data, and implementing corrective actions to maintain and enhance process performance.

You will be expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) operations, including monitoring, optimisation, and control of treatment processes. You will also work towards obtaining a Boiler Operation Accreditation Scheme (BOAS) qualification to support the safe and efficient operation of the site’s steam boiler systems.

Working closely with colleagues across the wider Bioresources and Wastewater Recycling teams, you will help ensure permit compliance, support regulatory obligations, and contribute to the successful delivery of operational objectives.

A structured competency framework is in place to support your development through Foundation, Skilled, and Expert levels. Progression from Foundation to Skilled is a mandatory requirement of the role, while advancement to Expert level is available for those seeking further development.

At Severn Trent, we encourage our people to demonstrate courage, integrity, and accountability by always doing the right thing and speaking up when issues arise. This role requires strong problem-solving abilities, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in understanding how processes operate to help drive performance, continuous improvement, and a positive health and safety culture.

Sites within Area Staffordshire

Strongford
Brancote

Key Responsibilities

Carry out routine operational and maintenance activities across allocated Anaerobic Digestion facilities.
Operate and optimise sludge treatment processes, including sludge thickening, chemical dosing, sampling, and process monitoring.
Conduct on-site process sampling and laboratory analysis, making process adjustments where required to maintain performance.
Analyse process data and plant performance trends to identify opportunities for optimisation and continuous improvement.
Monitor and utilise SCADA systems to support operational decision-making.
Support the capture and recording of operational data and participate in first-line asset maintenance activities (RCM).
Ensure compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
Participate in standby and call-out duties as part of a rota-based system.
Support major capital investment projects, including commissioning, testing, and operational integration of new assets.
Collaborate effectively both independently and as part of a wider operational team.
Investigate issues, troubleshoot operational challenges, and implement practical solutions to improve performance.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING TO THE ROLE

Experience

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

Experience working within a process-driven operational environment.
A good understanding of treatment or industrial process systems.
Strong IT skills and the ability to work with digital operational systems.
Knowledge of automation and process control systems.
A sound understanding of mechanical and hydraulic principles.
Experience delivering excellent customer service and understanding customer needs.
A proven track record of improving service delivery and operational performance.
Experience identifying problems and implementing effective solutions.

Capabilities

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

A strong desire to learn and develop technical expertise in sewage and sludge treatment operations.
A flexible and adaptable approach to work.
The ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
Confidence working independently and as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
A practical and analytical approach to problem solving.
Mechanical aptitude and an interest in automation and process optimisation.
A commitment to health, safety, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you should have:

GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
A full, valid UK driving licence.
A BOAS Operator (BOAS O) qualification is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided. An additional payment will be available upon successful achievement of this qualification.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about operational excellence, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability, and who is looking to build a rewarding career within Bioresources Operations.

HOW WE’LL REWARD AND CARE FOR YOU

Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent, and we’ll reward you for it too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.

With that in mind, here are just some of our favourite's perks that you’ll get being part of the Seven Trent family:

Salary: £33,404.50
25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/ sell up to 5 days per year)
Allowances for unsociable and weekend working

Annual bonus scheme (of up to £1,500 per annum based on company performance)
Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
Family friendly policies
Two volunteering days per year

WHATS NEXT?

We can't wait to hear from you! Have an updated CV ready and spare five minutes to apply. We'll let you know the outcome after the closing date, so keep an eye on your phone and emails.