Flood and Coastal Engineer

Somerset County Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays

LGPS pension scheme

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Secondment opportunities

Sponsorship not offered

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Flood and Coastal Engineer to provide specialist advice on flood risk management and coastal protection. You will support the Lead Local Flood Authority role and work with partners to deliver projects that protect people, businesses and the environment across Somerset.

You will collaborate with Environment Agency, water companies and communities, review planning and drainage proposals, and help shape flood risk strategies while benefiting from flexible and hybrid

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for flood risk decisions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with partners and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice on flood and coastal management to colleagues and partners.
• Support delivery of flood defence, drainage and coastal management projects.
• Review planning applications and drainage proposals to ensure flood risk is managed.
• Carry out site visits to assess flood and coastal issues and monitor projects.
• Collaborate with Environment Agency, water companies and communities to achieve positive outcomes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Education

Degree-level qualification in Civil Engineering

Job description

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Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Help protect Somerset’s communities from the impact of flooding and coastal change.

This is an exciting opportunity to use your engineering expertise to make a real difference across Somerset. You'll play a key role in helping to manage flood risk, shape sustainable development and support projects that protect people, businesses and the environment for years to come.

About the Role

As a Flood and Coastal Engineer, you'll provide technical expertise on flood and coastal management matters, supporting the Council's role as Lead Local Flood Authority and Coastal Protection Authority. You'll work with colleagues, partners and local communities to help deliver flood risk strategies, support planning and development decisions, and contribute to projects that reduce the impacts of flooding and coastal change.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Provide specialist advice on flood and coastal management issues to colleagues, partners and external stakeholders.
• Support the development and delivery of flood defence, drainage and coastal management projects.
• Review planning applications and drainage proposals, helping to ensure flood risk is appropriately managed.
• Carry out site visits and investigations to assess flood and coastal management issues and monitor project progress.
• Work closely with organisations such as the Environment Agency, water companies and local communities to achieve positive outcomes.
• Contribute to the delivery of Somerset's Local Flood Risk Strategy and the Council's statutory flood and coastal management responsibilities.

What You'll Bring

• Degree-level qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience providing professional and technical advice on flood and coastal management matters.
• Knowledge of key legislation relating to flood risk and coastal management.
• Experience delivering civil engineering or infrastructure projects, ideally involving flood risk, drainage or coastal protection.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex technical information and make sound recommendations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and partners.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• This role offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance.
• If you currently work for Somerset Council and would like to consider this as a secondment opportunity, please speak to your manager before applying via our internal SuccessFactors careers page.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Vicky Farwig (Service Manager: Flood and Coastal Service) on [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.