The Post: Wastewater Assets Field Manager, Northern Ireland Water
The Post Holder: David Wright
No two days are ever the same in David Wright’s role as a Wastewater Assets Field Manager.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
After leaving school, I went on to further education and completed an apprenticeship in plumbing, heating, and mechanical services. After 15 years of working in the commercial and domestic plumbing industry and being self-employed for three of those years, I transitioned to working with a wastewater solutions company. That’s when my interest in wastewater first started.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject in school was Technology & Design, I particularly enjoyed the practical side of learning.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
When I left school, I completed an apprenticeship in plumbing, heating, and mechanical services, followed by a HNC in Construction, at the Lisburn Institute of Further Education.
How did you get into your area of work?
I worked with a wastewater solutions company in the private sector for several years before moving to NI Water, which is where my interest in wastewater treatment processes first developed. My first role at NI Water was as a Technical Advisor in the Developer Services team. I was then promoted to Wastewater Customer Field Manager. After 18 months, there was another opportunity to apply for a role as a Wastewater Assets Field Manager in my local area, so I took this as a great opportunity to rekindle my experience in wastewater while being closer to home.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Yes, at the time I joined NI Water there were some academic qualifications but the company now focuses on aptitude and skills for these roles so you can now apply without ever having worked in the water industry before.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
NI Water offers re-skilling programmes for candidates with relevant experience but without formal qualifications, as well as apprenticeships. We’re currently recruiting people across Northern Ireland to join our Fast-track Learning in Operational Wastewater (FLOW) programme. NI Water programmes like FLOW provide valuable training and development opportunities, helping individuals gain the skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the water and wastewater industry. Whether you’re starting with formal qualifications or looking to enhance your existing skills, NI Water supports career growth through a variety of learning opportunities.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
Being a good communicator and having the ability to multitask are essential skills for the role of Wastewater Assets Field Manager.
What does a typical day entail?
A typical day involves communicating with staff about site operations, attending site or office-based meetings, problem-solving process issues, and reading and completing reports.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I enjoy the variety my job brings, as no two days are ever same, and getting out and about meeting people is good. The most challenging aspect can be dealing with the weather, especially during storm events, thankfully, NI Water has procedures in place to help in situations like this.
Why is what you do important?
My job is important as I look after the daily operations of wastewater treatment works and pumping stations in my area, ensuring they remain compliant with the wastewater standards set by the environmental regulator. My role is to ensure that NI Water is doing everything in its power to keep the environment safe in the most efficient and effective way possible.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
I believe there is great value in working your way from the ground up. This gives you the knowledge to fulfil your duties effectively and manage a team with firsthand experience gained over time. We are currently recruiting for 12 trainee Wastewater Assets Technicians across Northern Ireland as part of the FLOW programme. These are great opportunities where you’ll join an expert team, benefit from full training, work with new, exciting technology, and have a chance to develop your skills in a unique and rewarding career that truly matters. Opportunities are available in every county in Northern Ireland, enabling individuals to make a real impact in their local communities.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
The piece of advice I would give to others on their first day on the job is to relax and take your time settling in. It takes time to get know all the systems of work in any workplace. NI Water is a first-class employer and a really interesting place to work, learn and develop a long-term, rewarding career. There are many opportunities within the NI Water wastewater team, and you will always have the support of your manager and team, no matter how small or large your question or issue may be.
Describe your ideal day off.
Going away for the day with my family for a walk and stopping off for something to eat on the way home.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Be honest with yourself and choose a career path that you’re passionate about.
Applications to the Fast-Track Learning for Operational Wastewater (FLOW) programme are open now and close at 10am on March 31. To apply visit niwater.com/flow
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