Sewer Operative

Sewer operative Phil Richey spends his days and nights ensuring the sewers of Sussex are flowing freely.

The 40-year-old joined Southern Water in 2000 after moving to Sussex from Northern Ireland.

His first role was in Customer Services in the post room and after in-house training he progressed to the call centre – dealing with measured and unmeasured bill enquiries on the telephone.

In 2002 a promotion to the Technical Call Centre followed where Phil dealt with operational enquiries from customers. This required extensive training on every aspect of Southern Water’s business.

A year later and Phil took to the road as a sewer operative, after training on breathing apparatus, confined spaces, first aid, fire awareness and high pressure water jetting.

Two-years into his new role he is enjoying his career in the south of England.

Phil said: “Every job gives you something new and the opportunities are there if you want them, with the training you need at each step to help you progress.”