Wastewater Scientific Officer

Wastewater Scientific Officer - Belfast - NI Water

The Wastewater Scientific Officer will be responsible for optimising wastewater treatment works and sewer network performance within a designated geographical area. The role focuses on ensuring all activities are carried out safely and in compliance with environmental and regulatory standards, helping to prevent pollution incidents, protect public health, and maintain NI Water's reputation as a reliable and responsible service provider.

About the role:

• £15.32 per hour
• 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (with participation in on-call rota outside of hours)
• Duncrue Industrial Estate, Belfast
• Parking facilities on site
• Temporary role until 31st March 2026
• Please note closing date for this vacancy is 12th October 2026 - however you can register your interest for other upcoming vacancies by applying today

What you'll be doing in this role:

• Provide WWPL Operational Teams with visibility of WwTW process performance by undertaking on-site testing (e.g., Clarity, Turbidity, NH3(N), FeSo4 dose rate) and checking WwTW's general condition/operational status.
• Identify poor WwTWs process performance, assess appropriate laboratory tests required, and undertake representative sampling at WwTW, including Interstage/Sludge Performance. Ensure samples are submitted to the lab under correct environmental conditions and with accurate paperwork.
• Organise, distribute, set up, and condition check Automatic Samplers at various sites for collection of Regulatory and Operational samples to provide WWPL Operational staff with visibility of Wastewater Treatment Process performance.
• Interrogate sampling schedules, develop and plan sampling "runs," and undertake analysis of sample results to identify poor process performance using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Liaising with the Environmental Regulation Team to advise on the implementation of mitigation measures for pollution incidents, ensuring that NIEA is aware that all necessary steps are being taken within remit to mitigate pollution risk.
• Collate scientific data/information and provide reports/results for the Deputy Scientific Process Manager using Microsoft applications.
• Deputising as the on-call Field Manager as part of the rota, liaising with external stakeholders, such as NIEA, for pollution incidents, managing contractors, and reporting to Duty Officers in the Situational Awareness Team.
• Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of duties and the postholder will be required to carry out other duties as required.

What you'll need for this role:

• Possess an A Level (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or environmental subject.
• A minimum of two years demonstrable experience working in a Water or Wastewater scientific role.
• Knowledge and understanding of wastewater treatment processes and of analytical techniques carried out on wastewater.
• Knowledge and experience of Health & Safety requirements in Wastewater treatment.
• Demonstrable experience of proficiency in using Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• A full current driving license enabling the post holder to drive in Northern Ireland as they will be required to drive a Northern Ireland Water vehicle.
• A requirement to participate in an on-call rota to fulfil business needs.
• As part of the reference checking and vetting process for this position you will be requested to undertake a Basic AccessNI Disclosure. Having a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position

Riada Resourcing is an equal opportunities employer.