Southern Water
Private UK utility supplying drinking water and treating wastewater across southern England.
ICA Technician
Maintain, troubleshoot and improve water utility instrumentation, control and automation systems.
Job Highlights
About the Role
The technician will carry out planned, reactive and proactive maintenance on telemetry systems, flowmeters, level transmitters, analysers, MCC/LVA assemblies, dosing equipment and automation hardware. Duties include fault finding, calibration, testing, programming, and troubleshooting PLC‑based control systems, as well as maintaining HMI/SCADA platforms and site control networks. • Perform planned, reactive, and proactive maintenance on telemetry, instrumentation, analysers, MCC/LVA, control networks, dosing equipment, and automation systems. • Diagnose and resolve control system faults on PLCs (Rockwell, Mitsubishi) and package plant PLCs; manage PLC software backups and change control. • Maintain and backup HMI/SCADA systems; configure site control networks (Ethernet, DH+, Profibus, Profinet, RS232) and managed switches. • Calibrate instrumentation to Southern Water standards and external national standards; respond to faults/alarms from the Regional Control Centre. • Conduct investigations on instrument and process issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement remedial actions and process improvements. • Coach and train team members to develop their skills. • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a 24/7 incident support rota to ensure rapid resolution of water service issues.
Key Responsibilities
- ▸telemetry maintenance
- ▸plc troubleshooting
- ▸hmi/scada
- ▸network config
- ▸instrument calibration
- ▸root cause
What You Bring
Key requirements are NVQ Level 3 in Electrical or Electronic Engineering (or a time‑served apprenticeship) and an ONC/HNC in Instrumentation, Electronics or Control. Experience in a process‑oriented industry such as water utilities, petrochemical, electricity or manufacturing, strong problem‑solving, documentation and communication skills, and a full UK driving licence are also essential. • Required: NVQ Level 3 in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or apprenticeship; ONC/HNC in Instrumentation, Electronics, Control or equivalent. • Experience in a process‑oriented industry (water utility, petrochemical, electricity, manufacturing) with strong problem‑solving, fault‑finding, and documentation skills. • Hold a full UK driving licence; demonstrate collaborative communication and enthusiasm for learning.
Requirements
- ▸nvq level 3
- ▸onc/hnc
- ▸process industry
- ▸problem‑solving
- ▸documentation
- ▸driving licence
Benefits
The position closes on 20 January 2026 and is based in Otterbourne, Hampshire, with travel to multiple sites using a company‑supplied van. It is a permanent full‑time role (38 hours per week) with a salary range of £37,260 to £53,820, dependent on skills and experience. Southern Water is recruiting an Instrumentation, Control and Automation Technician for its Water Resources and Production division. The role supports the processing and supply of safe drinking water and offers a monitored career path with training and development opportunities. The package includes a competitive salary, overtime and on‑call pay, a company van with fuel card, 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions up to 11 %, performance bonus, life assurance (4 × salary) and a range of health benefits such as free flu jab and eye test vouchers. Additional perks comprise an employee assistance programme, sports and social clubs, volunteering days, retail discounts, an electric car scheme, cycle‑to‑work, and study support for job‑related qualifications. Southern Water is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Employees participate in 24/7 incident support rotas to ensure rapid resolution of water service issues, and the company will consider flexible working arrangements where possible. • Salary £37,260‑£53,820 plus overtime and on‑call payments; company van and fuel card provided. • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contributions up to 11 %, performance‑related bonus, and life assurance 4× salary. • Health benefits include free flu jab, eye‑test vouchers, health cash plan, occupational health service, and digital GP access. • Additional perks: employee assistance programme, sports/social clubs, two paid volunteering days, retail discounts, electric‑car scheme, cycle‑to‑work, and study support for qualifications.
Work Environment
Field