Water Quality Scientist

Salary
Graduate with experience: £15,000 - £20,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £27,000 - £42,000

Main Employers

• Water and sewerage service companies
• Drinking water service companies
• Multi-utility groups
• Regulatory bodies
• Drinking Water Inspectorate and Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR)
• Consultancies
• Environmental organisations

Job Profile
Water quality scientists are responsible for the scientific analysis of water. They usually specialise in drinking water supply, wastewater and effluent discharges or groundwater.

Water quality scientists set targets and standards which derive from complex legislation that aims to safeguard all aspects of water quality. They compare test results to these standards, investigate shortfalls and take action to remedy problems. Although much of the sampling may be routine, Water quality scientists have to respond quickly to incidents such as pollution and contamination.

Role and Responsibilities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Planning studies related to water supply and treatment infrastructure
• Analysing statistical data on water quality samples
• Carrying out laboratory testing of samples for chemical or microbiological parameters
• Assessing drinking water quality and use of reclaimed or recycled water
• Leading or assisting with hydrologic, fisheries, and habitat restoration projects
• Conducting archival research and visiting sites of concern, such as potential sources of pollution
• Liaising with customers and representatives from regulatory authorities
• Investigating reasons for lapses of water quality and suggesting changes or solutions to these problems
• Checking customers' premises and the construction of drains
• Investigating pollution incidents from a scientific and legal viewpoint
• Ensuring that regulatory requirements are correctly translated and interpreted into appropriate water quality monitoring programmes
• Developing water quality practices and monitoring water quality compliance

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Aquatic Science & Ecology; Biochemistry; Biology; Chemistry; Engineering; Environmental Science; Fisheries Science; Geography; Marine Sciences; Microbiology; Oceanography; Planning

In practice, a wide range of scientific backgrounds are considered suitable and other factors, such as relevant work experience or voluntary work, are likely to be as important in recruitment decisions as degree subject. Historically, entry to this field involved a lot of laboratory work but nowadays it is possible to enter the field in a variety of different roles.

Although entry is possible with a relevant HND, it is likely to be difficult because of the high level of competition. Holders of a Diploma are more likely to be recruited to technician roles, with progression possible through experience and further study and training. The water industry has a history of developing its own staff and of seeking to fill vacancies through internal progression where possible.

Although postgraduate qualifications are not generally required, they offer many advantage and courses with work placements or with strong ties to the industry are preferred. Particularly relevant topics may include Aquatic Chemistry, Waste and Wastewater Treatment, Catchment Hydrology and Water Quality Management.

Career Opportunities
The privatised water companies in England and Wales together employ over 30,000 staff. There are also a number of large and small specialists consultancies working in the field of drinking water and wastewater management.

Initially, career progression is not particularly rapid. Post holders must first build up their expertise, knowledge and experience. In addition to academic qualifications, membership of Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) is useful. CIWEM provides training, debating, networking and socialising opportunities, and offers a student membership scheme which can provide useful contacts for the future.

The most obvious career move for ambitious staff within water companies is into water operations management. However, there is stiff competition for these posts, particularly amongst graduates recruited onto graduate training schemes. Other roles include the management and supervision of sampling, treatment and laboratory facilities and staff. Within the Environment Agency (EA), there are opportunities to manage water quality teams or to move into more generic environmental protection roles.

Experienced water quality scientists who are recognised as experts in their field may be able to move into consultancy, providing services to water organisations nationally and internationally. This is only likely with significant experience of research, publishing and management.

Opportunities exist throughout the UK and the number of vacancies is currently stable. There may be some opportunities overseas, particularly in developing countries.