VacancyTitle: Strategic Network Operative

We are currently seeking a Network Operative to join our team, working across above and below ground assets to help ensure the reliable operation of the water network. This role plays an important part in maintaining the quality and quantity of water supplied to customers through both planned and reactive activities across the strategic network and associated sites.

You will carry out site inspections to maintain high standards of cleanliness, security, and operational performance. This includes responding to building alarms, reporting unauthorised access or damage, and undertaking general grounds and building maintenance. You will also support reservoir and water tower activities, including preparation for inspections, flood testing, and tank cleaning using the appropriate equipment and procedures.

The role involves collecting water quality samples, carrying out basic analysis, and supporting telecommunications maintenance and installation activities. You will also undertake a range of health and safety inspections, including checks on lifting equipment, emergency lighting, fire alarms, smoke detectors, life-saving equipment, and access flooring systems.

As part of the strategic mains network team, you will carry out planned and reactive maintenance on assets such as valves, scours, and pipework. You will identify and report defects, support project activities, assist with mains isolations and re-commissioning, and undertake chlorination activities when required.

Additional responsibilities include supporting confined space work, maintaining hygiene standards in restricted areas, completing work records, tracing and mapping network assets, and handling and replenishing site materials and chemicals. The team also supports alternative water supply operations during planned and emergency situations, including water tankering, bottled water delivery, and overland supply deployment. Participation in a standby rota will be required.

We welcome applications from individuals with a practical approach to work and a willingness to learn. A full UK driving licence is required and, while towing experience would be beneficial, training can be provided.

You will have experience or transferable skills that enable you to carry out maintenance and operational activities safely and effectively. You should be comfortable assessing risks, interpreting plans and drawings, and using digital devices such as tablets, smartphones, or computers to access information and record work activities.

The ability to read and follow written procedures, risk assessments, and method statements is important, along with the ability to complete basic documentation such as permits and work records. You will be able to work both independently and as part of a team, manage tasks effectively, and communicate professionally with colleagues, customers, and contractors.

A commitment to safety, quality, and customer service is essential, together with a proactive approach to problem-solving and delivering work to a high standard.

Pulled from the full job description

• Annual leave
• Employee discount
• Employee assistance programme
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car scheme, We’re a Great Place to Work because of the amazing people who work for us, and to say thank you we offer a range of benefits to colleagues. Our ‘Tap Into’ benefits include:

Generous holiday entitlement starting at 23 days, plus bank holidays and additional time off on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. There’s also the option to buy or sell holidays. Company pension scheme, where we’ll double match your contributions up to an employer contribution of 11%. Free access to local attractions. A fantastic discount scheme, with savings on days out, shopping, travel and more. Award winning ‘Living Well’ wellbeing support, including access to a digital GP service for you and your family members. Support with sustainable travel - through salary sacrifice cars and a cycle to work scheme. Financial wellbeing support - access our community savings scheme, financial education and low cost loans through Salary Finance. We also provide 4 x Life Assurance and an Income Protection Scheme. Support with your development - we offer a range of development opportunities, can support you through an interest free qualification loan and we’ll even pay for any relevant professional body subscription.

This role has also been defined as a safety or security critical role and as a condition of a formal offer of employment you’ll be required to undergo a drug and alcohol test.

Prospective employees and agency workers in defined safety and security critical roles will be required to undertake a drug and alcohol test after the job offer has been made. This will be prior to or within four weeks of their start date., vidcenter { display: flex; justify-content: center; } .videoContent, .videoContent iframe { min-height: 325px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 768px) { .videoContent, .videoContent iframe { min-height: 300px; } }

Our values

Our values describe our main principles, qualities and attributes. They are the guiding principles which define who we are, what we do and how we do it. They make us different from our competitors and guide our decisions and actions to drive us towards our vision.

Our values are: Results Driven

We take responsibility for achieving excellent business results.

Ethical

We are open and honest and meet our commitments with a responsible approach to the environment and our communities.

Customer Focused

We aim to exceed the expectations of our internal and external customers.

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Innovative

We continuously strive for innovative and better ways to deliver our business.

One Team

We work together consistently, promoting co-operation, to achieve our corporate objectives.

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Colleague benefits

We’re the great company we are because of you - our people. As our way of saying thanks, you’ll be eligible to some of our wide range of benefits and discounts to take advantage of.

To find out more about our benefits, see our benefits booklet attached to this advert.

Eyecare

Discounted Medicals

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2work

Buying & selling annual leave

Long service awards

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Computer Loans

Award winning wellbeing site

NWG savings scheme

Company pension scheme

Pre-retirement workshops

Life assurance

Christmas savings club

Discounts & cashback offers

Qualification loan

Documents

Business Plan 2025-30 - Essex & Suffolk Water - DownloadBusiness Plan 2025-30 - Main Report - DownloadBusiness Plan 2025-30 - Northumbrian Water - DownloadRestore and Regenerate - Our Environment Strategy to 2050 - Download

Here are NWG we strive to make Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) a Great Place to Work, for all. We embrace and value Diversity, Inclusion and Equity and encourage you to bring your full self to work. As an equal opportunity employer we’re committed to having a diverse community represented across our business.

We’re aware that not everyone will have every skill listed in the job description, however if you have some of the skills listed, we’d encourage you to apply

NWG at a glance: Our purpose at NWG is caring for the essential needs of our communities and environment, now and for generations to come.

We do this by providing reliable and affordable water and wastewater services for our customers.

We make a positive difference by operating efficiently and investing prudently, to maintain a sustainable and resilient business.

Our vision is to be the national leader in the provision of sustainable water and wastewater services. To support us in achieving our vision, we have five core values which are the guiding principles, defining who we are, what we do and how we do it., NWG (Northumbrian Water Group) provides water and sewerage services to 2.7 million people in the North East of England as Northumbrian Water, and water services to 1.5 million people in the South East of England as Essex & Suffolk Water.

We are proud to serve our customers and we’re committed to delivering great service, putting our customers at the heart of everything we do.