Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Technologist – Waste Water
Scottish Water uses a range of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to help naturally process and purify waste water, including constructed wetlands, facultative lagoons, reedbeds, floating treatment wetlands, natural flood management and sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS). But we’d like to do more.
We’re looking for a specialist in this field who can help us shape the future of NbS within Scotland, and play a key role in developing and implementing innovative and eco-friendly approaches to waste water management.
What you’ll do
You’ll provide technical leadership in of Nature-based Solutions for waste water treatment and other areas of application within Scottish Water. This will include developing technical design requirements and specifications, analysing data, and delivering NbS innovation through internal R&D and external collaborations. You’ll assist in developing the process selection matrix to include NbS. As a technical lead you will be responsible for developing the knowledge and skills on this subject within Scottish water.
You’ll get to explore emerging NbS technologies and assess their potential for improved treatment, efficiency, and reduced energy and carbon consumption. You’ll need to create evidence-based cases for business investment in these technologies, and collaborate with optioneering teams to develop solutions, optimizing performance and efficiency.
You’ll be involved in leading of monitoring and data gathering of installed NbS and analysing data to support performance review of the NbS
You’ll promote and advocate for NbS, internally and externally, while maintaining up to date knowledge of Wastewater and storm water treatment technologies. You’ll lead development and growth of NbS capacity internal in Scottish Water and you should expect to be presenting on NbS benefits and technology updates to internal teams and representing Scottish Water at conferences and events to showcase our NbS initiatives.
This post offers a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of using NbS for waste and storm water treatment during a time when it is both topical and critical if the industry is to protect the environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
What you’ll need
You won’t be new to the world of NbS. You’ll have experience operating in this field, with an existing network of contacts to relevant specialists.
It is likely that you will have a qualification, Degree/Masters/PHd, in a relevant discipline and have or be progressing towards chartership or professional qualification.
It’s important to have a strong understanding of the processes used waste water and storm water treatment, particularly with reference to Nature-based Solutions.
You’ll be a creative thinker and problem solver who has the confidence to challenge conventional thinking in a constructive and collaborative way. Your focus is on identifying and promoting pragmatic solutions that maximise environmental benefits.
As strong communicator, you’ll be able to act as an NbS ambassador and get people excited about its potential to change the future of waste water treatment.
A driving license is important. Some of our treatment sites are in remote locations that aren’t served by public transport.
Looking out for you
While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.
You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy up to five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take time off to volunteer in your community.
When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working.
For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), and life assurance.
As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The not-so-small-print
The salary range for this role is £45,873 – £58,418.
This is a hybrid role. It will involve some time at home, some time in one of our main offices (e.g. Stepps, Edinburgh, Dundee, Inverness) and some occasional site visits to our treatment works.
If you’re interested in this job, or know someone who would be, we’re accepting applications until midnight on Monday 22nd January 2024. Interviews will be held w/c 26/02/2024.
Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. These checks are conducted on our behalf by a third party. Don’t worry – we’ll ask your permission before starting these checks.
A few final things worth knowing…
Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out!
Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We’re also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you’ll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Finally (finally!), candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.
We’re here to help. Ask us anything at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk
