Leakage operative
Find leaks in water pipes and arrange repairs to save water.
Also known as: water distribution operative, leakage technician, leakage engineer, leakage controller
About the job
Salary
Source: National Careers Service
Weekly
£346
Entry level
£577
Experienced
Monthly
£1,500
Entry level
£2,500
Experienced
Yearly
£18,000
Entry level
£30,000
Experienced
1,200
people are currently employed
Low growth
100 fewer jobs in 5 years
These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics
What it's like
You would 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 would 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.
You would:
Inspect customers' water supply
Monitor water system leakage
Attach leakage detection equipment to pipes
Measure water pressure and flow
Record data from the detection equipment and use it to narrow down your search area
Listen for sounds that might indicate a leak, using acoustics and noise logging equipment
Notify 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.
Hours
Environment
Travel
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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.
Here are some of the 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 the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.
You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.
Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.
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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