Network Leakage Technician (Nights)

To support United Utilities (UU) Water Networks to deliver against its regulatory targets and customer promises for leakage control.

To be accountable for proactive and reactive leakage detection activities within District Meter Areas (DMAs) and Upstream within District Meter Zones (DMZs). This will involve the deployment and assessment of appropriate leakage detection methodologies, depending upon the technical requirements of the area being assessed.

Work in close liaison with the Network team to ensure the timely and efficient repair and resolution of leakage issues as well as being accountable for proactive private leakage detection to resolution. Accountable for raising repairs through to the Network partners as well as supporting the Network partners through the repair process to ensure that they are undertaken in a safe, customer focused, timely and cost effective manner.

Job Accountabilities

• Responsible for undertaking proactive leakage - using appropriate leakage detection methods depending on requirements of the task (correlating, sounding, step testing, data loggers).
• Accountable for managing leaks upstream of the customer boundary as well as serving defective fitting (DF) notices when identified through proactive leakage detection.
• Accountable for identifying and detecting leaks on the Network as well as proactive leaks on customer premises. Accountable for raising repairs through to the Network Maintenance Alliance (NMA) as well as supporting the NMA through the repair process to ensure that they are undertaken in a safe, customer focused, timely and cost effective manner.
• To undertake reactive leakage detection for customer reported P2 leaks when operational needs arise in line with agreed escalation process.
• To assist in resolution of operability issues.
• Liaison with Repair and Maintenance teams to ensure repairs are completed and abortive excavations minimised.
• To provide leakage assistance to Water Network Technicians for third party damage on the water network.
• To interpret and use flow and pressure data to agree areas of interest for further leakage detection activity.
• To raise and manage work for leak repairs.
• Assess appropriate Network Leakage activities and undertake planned work risk assessments for low risk network activities with support from Network Technician or TSO in line with the agreed process.
• To provide support to other network colleagues during incidents and events if required.
• To liaise with Network Technicians for high risk, planned work risk assessments.
• To use turbidity monitors as required to monitor water quality as part of Network Operations/leakage activities.
• To carry out Red-lining activities.
• Ensure PPE and vehicles comply with UU Health and Safety policies.
• Train and support new staff and apprentices.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge and experience in the operation of water networks and leakage detection techniques.
• Able to demonstrate the competency to work as part of a high performance team whilst having a proven record of achieving goals, objectives and scorecard measures.
• GCSE grade C or above, City and Guilds, or ability to demonstrate technical and customer skills.
• Demonstrable water network technical experience, including leakage detection and repair.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective influencing and negotiation skills.
• Strong customer service focus and be able to resolve customer issues.
• Ability to work alone as well as effectively as part of a team.