The Job
The role of a Sewerage Operative involves:
- Maintaining sewerage treatment works and pumping stations.
- Cleaning and servicing mechanical equipment.
- Responding to problems with the sewer network - blocked pipes, missing manhole covers.
Have you got what it takes?
You will need to be quick thinking as sewerage incidents need to be responded to immediately as they could pose a hazard to traffic or a health risk to householders.
You should have an interest in mechanics and electronics as you will be working with a lot of machinery.
You'll get to use the latest technology such as CCTV cameras to locate blockages in pipes and then use steel rods or high pressure jets to unblock them.
Sometimes you'll need to take a closer look at the pipes so you will have to wear breathing apparatus as some of the gases can be lethal. Health and safety is very strict so you need to have a responsible attitude to your work.
Steps to starting a career
To start a career in the water industry you should contact your local water company - find out who you pay your water bill to and contact them. Many water companies use contractors or consultants to undertake the work on their behalf.
Click on the companies listed below to find details of employers and contractors in the water industry:
- Water UK
- British Water
- Society of British Water and Wastewater Industries (view Members area)
Since each company has its own recruitment policy, you should check exact entry requirements with the company.
What are the entry requirements for this job?
What training will I be given?
How much will I get paid?
How can I progress in this career?
Download 'Careers in the Water Industry' flyer (PDF 1mb)
