Job summary
Make a difference in protecting public health by becoming a Drinking Water Inspector. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (the DWI) is seeking a talented individual with skills and/or experience in materials testing to join its team of Inspectors ensuring high quality water supplies across England and Wales.
The DWI is the regulator of drinking water quality in England and Wales. It operates on the behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Welsh ministers.
Job description
Drinking Water Inspectors are involved in a wide range of tasks covering all functions from source to tap. In this specialist role, we are seeking an individual with expertise in materials testing, in particular for materials in contact with drinking water. You will ideally have knowledge of BS6920 protocols and EN 12873 and 15768 methods and the regulation 31 and WRAS requirements. Laboratory experience, particularly a knowledge of QC and accreditation requirements and experience in interpreting GCMS results would be an advantage.
Inspectors must decide whether or not there has been, or is likely to be, a breach of the regulations and if so, whether enforcement action is necessary to safeguard drinking water quality. Inspectors may be involved with interviewing staff, contractors or consumers; conducting site audits to assess treatment and monitoring processes or storage facilities; and in certain circumstances may be required to attend court and give interviews to the media.�
Inspectors work in teams under the direction of a Principal Inspector, however, there is a high degree of autonomy of decision making. Inspectors are responsible for managing the day to day relationship between the Inspectorate and one or more of the regulated water companies. Inspectors are also required to give authoritative advice to resolve disputes such as consumer water quality complaints or disagreements between the parties involved with the regulation or operation of a private water supply.� Whilst this role is primarily seeking an individual who has specialist knowledge of materials in contact with drinking water to work in the regulation 31 team, it is expected that the successful applicant will develop their skills to support the Inspectorate in its wider duties.
Person specification
On an interpersonal level, you should have an enquiring mind and be motivated and dedicated to improving the approach by companies in producing a wholesome product and protecting public health. It is preferable that you should have a good honour�s degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply, water quality or other relevant subject and that this is supported by postgraduate experience in the water industry or related field.
You should have attained, be working towards or willing to work towards chartership of your professional body.
You will have good IT skills and be well organised. As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, you should have a valid driving licence, although it may be possible to adjust this requirement for those who have difficulty meeting it because of a disability. Media training and project management skills would be advantageous.
DWI is committed to a programme of continuous professional development.
If you would like to be involved in a role that can make a difference to public health and you have the abilities outlined above we would like to hear from you.
Licences
As travelling is an integral part of the job, often to areas not served by public transport, candidates should have a valid driving licence.
Qualifications
The role requires the candidate to have a degree or equivalent qualification in a subject related to water supply or water quality.
Memberships
Successful candidates will be expected to hold, or already be working towards, chartership with a relevant professional body.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
1. Changing and Improving
2. Communicating and Influencing
3. Making Effective Decisions
4. Delivering at Pace
5. Managing a Quality Service
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
6. Changing and Improving
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �39,439, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes �11,425 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
7. Learning and development tailored to your role
8. An environment with flexible working options
9. A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
10. A with an average employer contribution of 27%