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
Leakage operatives use specialist equipment to find leaks in water pipes. They then arrange repairs to save water. People will depend on you to quickly get their water running again when there's a problem!
As a leakage operative, you'll carry out planned surveys and also respond to emergencies. You'll make sure the water supply is disrupted as little as possible.
There are often no visible signs of a leak, so you'll use specialist equipment to examine water flowing in and out of an area. This'll help you discover where the leak is coming from.
Leakage operatives protect the environment too. Your work will help stop unnecessary water use.
Your tasks might include:
inspecting customers' water supply and measuring water pressure and flow
monitoring water system leakage
attaching leakage detection equipment to pipes
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
Green jobÂ
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.Â
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Water – check out their interactive careers map and watch a video by a leakage field technician
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Energy -
Construction and built environment
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:
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Engineering Science
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Environmental Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Science
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
There are a few ways into a career as a leakage operative.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider a Water Industry MA.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Chemical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Use My World of Work's course search to find relevant courses.
Work
You can become a leakage operative through applying directly with an employer or getting an entry-level job and working your way up.
It's advantageous if you have a background in a technical role like construction, plumbing or building services engineering.
You can use the My World of Work job search to look for vacancies.
A driving licence is useful for some jobs.
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