Leakage operative
Save water by finding leaks in water pipes and arranging repairs.
Also known as: water distribution operative, leakage technician, leakage engineer, leakage controller
About the job
What it's like
You'd use specialist equipment to find leaks in water pipes and then arrange repairs to save water. People would depend on you to quickly get their water running again whenever there was a problem.
You'd carry out planned surveys and also respond to emergencies, making sure that the water supply is disrupted as little as possible.
Because there is often no visible sign of a leak, you would use specialist equipment to examine water flowing in and out of an area to find out where any leaks are.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting customers' water supply
monitoring water system leakage
attaching leakage detection equipment to pipes
measuring water pressure and flow
recording data from the detection equipment and using it to narrow down your search area
listening for sounds that might indicate a leak, using acoustics and noise logging equipment
notifying a repair team to come out and fix the leak
The conditions will often be uncomfortable, wet and dirty. You’d need to make sure you follow health and safety regulations.
This is a role which has environmental benefits too as every day you'll be helping to stop unnecessary water use.Â
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Hours
You would usually work a shift pattern including nights (when there is less background noise and water use). You may also be on a standby rota for emergencies that happen outside normal working hours. Overtime may be available.
Environment
You would work outside in all weather conditions, sometimes underground inside water pipes. Conditions may be wet and dirty.
Travel
You would travel to each job. A driving licence may be helpful.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- observation
- cooperating
- listening
- understanding
- attention to detail
- concentrating
- taking responsibility
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Engineering Science
Environmental Science
Practical Craft Skills
Science
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
You could do a Modern Apprenticeship in the Water Industry. Entry requirements for a Modern Apprenticeship vary but employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5.
If you are not joining the industry through an Apprenticeship you do not always need formal qualifications.
Previous experience of a technical role in:
construction
plumbing
building services engineering or
plant maintenance
A driving licence is useful for some jobs.
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