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Water network operative
Leakage operative, distribution technician, network service technician
Water network operatives lay and maintain the pipes, mains and pumping stations that supply water to homes and businesses.
Average salary (a year)
£18000
Starter
£30000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 44.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; applying directly
College
You could take a college course, which will teach you some of the skills you'll need in this job.
Courses include
construction skills, construction operations (civil engineering)
After completing your course, you could contact water companies to find out about trainee positions.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
    Apprenticeship
    You could apply to a company to do an apprenticeship, such as
    Water Network Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Water Industry Network Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
    These take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
    Entry requirements
    You'll usually need:
    • 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
    More Information
    equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
    guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
    Direct Application
    Employers will set their own entry requirements for vacancies but some may prefer you to have GCSEs in English and maths.
    You might have an advantage when applying, if you have experience in construction groundworks, plumbing, building services engineering or roadworks.
    More Information
    Career Tips
    Utility companies can use sub-contractors on some jobs, so it's worth checking with construction firms for potential vacancies.
    Further Information
    You can find out more about working and training in the water industry from Energy and Utilities Jobs.
    You can also check the careers and jobs sections of water company websites.
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      The ability to operate and control equipment
      To be thorough and pay attention to detail
      Knowledge of public safety and security
      Observation and recording skills
      The ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      Knowledge of maths
      To be flexible and open to change
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Other Requirements
    You may need to be registered in one of the water industry safety passport schemes, supported by the Energy and Utilities Skills Register (EUSR). The safety passport proves that you are able to carry out work on the water network.
    You might also need a driving licence for some jobs.
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As a water network operative, you could
    set up site safety measures like traffic lights and barriers, dig trenches by hand or with a mechanical digger, monitor water flow and pressure data to find weak spots and leaks, lay or repair water mains and install meters and hydrants, detect blockages in pipes and drains and clear them, maintain equipment and keep records of completed work
    Working environment
    You may need to wear protective clothing.
    Your working environment may be physically demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience and further training, you could become a
    team supervisor, project manager, leakage inspector, quality control officer
    You could also work on water engineering schemes or at a treatment works.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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