Water Network Operative

Typical Salary

£15,000 To £27,000

Typical Hours

42 to 44 a week

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How To Become a Water Network Operative

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
applying directly

College / University

You could start by taking a college course like:

Level 1 Certificate in Construction Skills
Level 2 Certificate in Construction Operations
Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Water Engineering with a choice of 4 pathways

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course

Apprenticeship

You may get into this career by doing an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in the water industry.

Level 2 Water network operative
Level 3 Water process technician

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

There are no set entry requirements for this job though employers may prefer you to have a good general standard of education like GCSEs in English and maths.

Experience in construction, plumbing, building services engineering or plant maintenance could be useful.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of public safety and security
observation and recording skills
the ability to operate and control equipment
the ability to work on your own
knowledge of maths
to be flexible and open to change
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

You could:

dig holes by hand or with mechanical digging equipment
use maps and plans to trace where to dig
lay and repair water mains and pipes
use closed circuit TV to check for blockages in pipes and drains
clear blockages
install water meters and hydrants
maintain vehicles and equipment
record details of completed work and materials used

Working Environment

Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career Path & Progression

Career Path & Progression are not listed for this job.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

Further information

You'll find more details about working and training in the water industry from Talent Source Network.

Restrictions & Requirements

You may need to be registered in one of the water industry safety passport schemes, supported by the Energy & Utilities Skills Register (EUSR). The safety passport proves that you are competent to carry out work on the water network.

You may need a driving licence for some jobs.