United Utilities is looking for a safety-focused Vactor Operator to join our expanding Bioresources Industrial Cleaning team. This is a hands-on operational role working with specialist high-airflow vacuum tankers (DISAB or equivalent), high-pressure jetting equipment, and mobile plant to clean and maintain Water and Wastewater assets.

This permanent position operates on a 48-hour working week, providing consistent hours and long-term stability. If you hold an HGV licence, have strong jetting/vactor experience, and are confident working in confined spaces, this is an excellent career opportunity within a leading UK utility provider.
About The RoleAs a Vactor Operator, you will support the safe cleaning, emptying and maintenance of sludge tanks, digesters, storm tanks, chambers and other Bioresources treatment assets across our wastewater network.

You’ll operate:
*High-airflow vacuum tankers / vactor units (DISAB or equivalent)
*High-pressure jetting units (up to 10,000 psi)
*Sludge screening equipment
*High-value mobile plant and associated machinery
This role is physically demanding, involving regular lifting, carrying, digging and shovelling of wastewater debris. You’ll work within a small, experienced team delivering essential planned and reactive industrial cleaning activities.
Due to the safety-critical and physical nature of the work, a pre-employment medical is required.
Key Responsibilities
*Operate vactor units (DISAB or equivalent) to safely empty and clean Water and Wastewater assets
*Perform high-pressure water jetting to complete specialist industrial cleaning tasks
*Carry out confined space entries following all safety protocols
*Use sludge screening units and sludge pumping systems
*Complete manual handling activities as part of daily operations
*Maintain high safety standards and adhere to all operational procedures
*Support day-to-day team operations and contribute to a positive team culture
*Ensure high-quality outputs while meeting operational deadlines
*Support routine maintenance and inspections of equipment
Skills & ExperienceSkills & Experience
Essential
*HGV/LGV Category C licence
*Valid CPC licence
*Proven experience operating vactor units / high-airflow vacuum tankers (DISAB or similar)
*High-pressure water jetting experience (up to 10,000 psi)
*Comfortable working in confined spaces
*Physically fit and able to undertake manual labour
*Strong attention to detail and ability to work safely under pressure
*Reliable, team-focused, and willing to learn new processes
*Good communication and problem-solving skills
Desirable
*Knowledge of wastewater or water treatment processes
*Experience using sludge screening equipment (e.g., D-Max)
*Experience with sludge pumping systems
*Background in utilities, industrial services, drainage, waste or similar operational sectors
Why Join Us?This permanent role offers a 48-hour working week and the stability of joining a leading UK utility provider. You’ll have access to ongoing training and development in vactor operations and specialist industrial cleaning, all while working in a supportive team environment with a strong safety culture. There are clear progression opportunities within Bioresources and across the wider Operations function, and the work you do will contribute directly to environmental protection and the delivery of essential public services.
Benefits
*26 days’ annual leave (rising to 30 after four years) plus 8 bank holidays
*Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution and life cover
*Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus and recognition awards
*Company-funded healthcare plan
*MyGymDiscounts – savings on gyms and digital fitness
*Access to Best Doctors, Salary Finance and Wealth at Work
*Retail deals and discounts
*EVolve car scheme
*Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders
*ShareBuy scheme
*MORE Choices flexible benefits
*Enhanced parental leave
If you’re an experienced Vactor Operator or an HGV professional with strong jetting/vacuum experience and a willingness to learn, we’d love to hear from you.