Assistant Highway Network Officer

North Somerset Council; Clevedon; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job description

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

North Somerset Council’s Highway Network Management Team manages the coordination of activities on the highway, whether Utility company or Council owned works, new construction developments, domestic/commercial vehicle dropped kerbs, events (affecting/on the highway) or other licensable highway activities such as skips, scaffolding. Our focus is to actively co-ordinate activities, enforce legislation relating to utility company works, protect highway infrastructure, and check safety while actively dealing with congestion.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience and variety in a highway environment, providing technical and administrative functions across the service area supporting an experienced Highway Network Management team.

Career progression to level 4 (Highway Network Officer) will be dependent upon managerial assessment of competence and independent working.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspections and/or monitoring of activities such as street works permits, licences, events on/affecting the Highway Network
• Handling internal/external enquiries and preparing written replies
• Becoming proficient in using appropriate ICT systems including (but not limited to) supporting Team inboxes, network disruption and unplanned events, permitting/licensable activities and temporary traffic regulation orders
• Maintaining records, analysing and interpreting data/information including but not limited to, electronic systems/software relating to highway permitting, licences, mapping, GIS, traffic regulation orders
• Processing, reviewing and/or issuing documents to statutory organisations, third parties and where required assist with enforcement activities through issuing advice, warnings, notices, fixed penalty notices
• Supporting the team with communication through various channels
• Providing cover for other staff during periods of absence
• Carrying out administrative functions such as organising and preparing minutes of meetings

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at our Castlewood offices in Clevedon. Please be advised that this office will be closed by 2025. Consultation is currently underway to determine the new location for colleagues based in Castlewood. This will be at Weston-Super-Mare or within North Somerset.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• Flexible Worker
  • 2-3 days in the office
  • Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
  • Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who has a good understanding of some of the challenges faced relating to activities/works on the highway, along with a proven ability to manage and maintain professional relationships with all types of internal and external stakeholders, and who possess the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• English and Maths GCSE Grades (A*-C) or equivalent
• Level 2 in literacy and numeracy
• Level 2 units or equivalent practical work experience to achieve the qualification in skills relating to the service area
• A full valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide alternative, suitable method of travel
• Great communication skills
• Able to work effectively as part of a team
• A flexible and adaptable approach supporting colleagues and others
• Present evidence clearly and confidently
• Ability to travel to sites throughout North Somerset

Desirable Criteria:

• A basic temporary traffic management qualification

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment, creating a workplace built on great teamwork.

We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Career progression (level 4) (managerial assessment)
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. To enable us to shortlist in a fair and unbiased way, it is essential that you provide us with sufficient information to demonstrate how you meet or exceed the criteria outlined for this role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Paul Watkins, Highway Network & Traffic Manager, at [e-mail]

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Anticipated to be Monday 19 May 2025.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.