Water quality scientist
A water quality scientist is responsible for safeguarding all aspects of water quality through scientific analysis and the setting of targets and standards in response to specific legislation. They compare test results with these standards, investigate shortfalls and take action to remedy problems. Depending on the employer, they may also be involved in providing solutions to water quality problems and water quality regulation.
They usually specialise in one of three areas:
More senior roles may involve significant liaison with businesses, the public and other water industry professionals.
Work activities differ according to the scientist's specialist area, particularly with regard to the degree of contact with the public, businesses and regulatory authorities, but all roles are likely to involve some or all of the following:
Work activities may vary according to the current issues of concern; an ongoing and serious problem with water quality may cause other activities to be suspended or minimised until this has been dealt with.
Water quality scientists who work in the field may perform a lot of routine sampling. However, they also have to respond to emergencies when pollution-causing incidents occur.
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and especially those with a science degree, a degree in the following subjects may increase your chances:
Entry is possible with a relevant HND only (subjects with a strong element of analytical chemistry and/or biology are most useful) but is likely to be difficult because of the level of competition typical of all environmental jobs. Those with HNDs are more likely to be recruited to technician/sampling roles, with progression possible through experience and further study and training. The water industry has a history of developing its own staff and seeking to fill vacancies through internal progression where possible. Laboratory experience within a work placement can aid HND entry.
Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely.
Although a postgraduate qualification is not generally required, it may offer some advantage to those with less relevant first degrees. Postgraduate courses with work placements or with strong ties to the industry would be preferred. A small number of courses are accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) .
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
A driving licence is usually a requirement.
As with all environmental careers, work experience, whether paid or voluntary, is often important. Organisations offering voluntary work include the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) , The Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust . Getting involved in relevant societies can also increase your chances. Student membership of a professional body can be a good way of building knowledge and a network of contacts.
Competition is keen. Employers mainly use the press and their own websites to advertise vacancies. The local press is considered important, given that services are delivered on a regional basis.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Employers generally provide on-the-job training. Formal training is usually provided for procedural and regulatory issues and is often delivered by relevant agencies or consultants. Self-directed study, distance learning and multimedia are also used by some employers.
There are frequent changes within legislation concerning water quality and with new issues arising constantly; employees are required to keep their knowledge up to date. An example of this is the Water Framework Directive which involves the management of river basins.
Support is usually provided for those who want to study for relevant professional qualifications, normally those of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) . The CIWEM has two levels of postgraduate qualification, the certificate and the diploma; both are modular and therefore offer considerable flexibility to students. A comprehensive programme of continuing professional development (CPD) is also offered.
The larger water companies have graduate training schemes or management training programmes, and these tend to concentrate on commercial functions and water operations management, rather than water quality work. They typically provide structured training towards understanding all aspects of the business, as well as support for professional qualifications. The Environment Agency (EA) occasionally recruits environment officers and puts them through structured training programmes which include water quality.
At first, career progression is not usually rapid. Post holders must first build up their expertise, knowledge and experience and it may also take time to gain relevant professional qualifications, such as those of the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) . Beyond that, progression is partly dependent on motivation; some are happy to remain in their role, developing further their own expertise and authority within a specialist area.
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 management 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 or national policy/research work.
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/or management.
Water companies provide a major source of employment within the industry:
For a list of water companies visit the Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority) . Some of the largest water companies in England and Wales, particularly those that supply an entire region, have become part of larger multi-utility groups that also include gas and electricity companies. These groups may be international providers of utilities to many countries.
Other employers include regulatory bodies, particularly the Environment Agency (EA) who is responsible for overseeing the quality of fresh, marine, surface and underground water in England and Wales. The Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) oversees the quality of tap water, for which local authority environmental health departments also have local responsibility.
Environmental protection in Scotland, including groundwater quality, is the responsibility of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Drinking Water Quality Regulator (DWQR) .
In Northern Ireland, pollution and groundwater quality are monitored by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) , which is part of the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland (DOE(NI)) .
There are a few vacancies in consultancies and environmental organisations.
Careers services are sometimes notified of vacancies.
Recruitment agencies are now quite active in advertising posts for both permanent and temporary staff. Large national agencies are the most likely to be used by water companies.
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