Field Crew Operative

About SOCOTEC Monitoring and Surveying

SOCOTEC’s Monitoring and Surveying division provides specialist monitoring, surveying, and data collection services throughout the UK. Backed by more than 30 years of experience, the team supports major work across infrastructure, construction, utilities, and environmental sectors through land and utility surveying, gas and asset surveys, flow and water quality monitoring, and advanced geotechnical and structural monitoring. By combining leading technology with live data, the business helps customers reduce risk, safeguard important assets, and make well-informed decisions. Safety, quality, and customer service sit at the centre of its people-first culture.

Role overview

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is looking for a Field Crew Operative focused on water quality to join the Leeds-based team. The role involves fieldwork on water quality monitoring projects across the UK and, from time to time, in Ireland. The work centres on installing, calibrating, and maintaining monitoring equipment such as flow monitors, auto-samplers, and water quality sensors.

The information gathered through this work supports wastewater network management, pollution tracking, and improvements to river and bathing water health. It also helps water companies and environmental bodies meet compliance requirements and improve water quality in local communities.

Key duties

• Fit, maintain, and remove water quality monitoring equipment at rivers, sewer systems, and other environmental locations.
• Check, calibrate, and verify monitoring devices so they continue to produce reliable readings.
• Collect water samples from multiple sites and ensure they are stored and handled in line with quality requirements.
• Download, record, and manage data from monitoring equipment accurately.
• Support wastewater monitoring work when needed, including the installation, calibration, and upkeep of related equipment.
• Follow health and safety procedures at all times, particularly when working in confined spaces or river environments.
• Handle, transport, and assemble equipment safely and efficiently.

Working style and expectations

The job requires a flexible approach to hours and a willingness to stay away from home during the week. Accommodation and meals are covered by the company when working away. Weekend work may be required occasionally, and some night shifts can also form part of the schedule. UK-wide travel is common, so applicants should be comfortable working in changing locations and environments.

Success in the role depends on a strong work ethic, a positive outlook, the ability to work well with different team members, and the initiative to solve problems as they arise. Comfort around raw sewage and in confined spaces is also essential.

Requirements

• Ability to work flexible hours and spend time away from home during the working week, with accommodation and meals paid by the company.
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and sometimes night or evening shifts.
• Confidence working as part of a team in changing environments.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and initiative when solving problems.
• Comfortable working near raw sewage and in confined spaces.
• Full, clean, valid UK driving licence.
• Right to work in the UK.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days of holiday, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Electric car scheme, where eligible.
• Employee recognition programmes.
• Family-friendly support.
• Retail discount offers.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Enhanced company pension.
• Access to training, mentoring, and development from day one.
• Opportunity to work on varied, challenging projects across the UK.
• Flexible working approach across local, national, and global projects, where applicable.

Additional information

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is Disability Confident accredited. The organisation employs more than 2,000 professionals and focuses on testing, inspection, and certification services. Its wider mission is to help build a safer and more sustainable world by investing in innovative solutions and keeping social and environmental priorities at the forefront of operations. The company encourages career growth across different disciplines and offers routes for both traditional progression and broader experience across the business.

The role suits someone who wants to contribute to meaningful environmental work, develop within a supportive team, and help deliver accurate monitoring data that supports public health and regulatory compliance.