Location
Reading – Kemble Court, RG2 6AD

Hours
6-week rolling shift pattern with 12-hour day and night shifts, including weekends. The pattern includes both a full week and a full 2 weeks off, with annual leave built into the rota.

Salary
Up to £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.

About the Role
As a Control Room Operator, you will be part of the Wastewater Control team, acting as the first line of defence in identifying and responding to operational issues across our network. This key role helps protect customers from flooding and safeguards the environment from pollution. Working within the System Operations team, you will oversee the performance of more than 366 sewage treatment works and over 7,000 pumping stations across London and the Thames Valley. Using advanced monitoring systems, you will work closely with field teams to respond to alarms, prioritise risks, and coordinate urgent operational responses.

Your responsibilities will include monitoring alarms and system data to identify issues across pumping stations, sewer networks, and treatment works; coordinating urgent field responses to minimise flooding and environmental impact; accurately logging decisions, actions, and safety updates; escalating high-risk incidents to appropriate teams and managers; supporting colleagues during busy periods; ensuring smooth shift handover; and using safety systems and emergency procedures to protect field teams.

Please note, there are 2 fixed-term/secondment contracts available for 6 months.

What’s in it for you
This is an opportunity to be part of a team making a real difference every day by protecting public health and the environment while developing your skills in a fast-paced operational setting. The shift pattern offers extended time off, including a 2-week break every 6 weeks. Benefits include a performance-related pay plan linked to company targets, a generous pension scheme through AON, and access to a wide range of health, wellbeing, and financial benefits such as annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.

About Thames Water
We are the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers. We are committed to building a better future for our customers, communities, people, and the planet. Thames Water offers meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and excellent benefits. Join us to make a daily difference while helping protect the world’s water for future generations.

Experience
- Experience using SCADA systems.
- Knowledge of pumping stations, wastewater treatment works, or network operations.
- Operational experience with an understanding of quality management standards.

About you
- Proactive and methodical approach to managing a high volume of work.
- Strong analytical skills and good numeracy.
- Ability to work under pressure and make quick, sound decisions.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
- Full UK driving licence to support work from disaster recovery sites.

Qualifications
No specific qualifications are stated as mandatory, but relevant operational experience and skills are essential for this role.