Highways Assets Technical Officer

Durham County Council; North East; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the North East of England is looking for a Highway Assets Technical Officer to manage their asset management systems efficiently. Responsibilities include coordinating highway reports, liaising with stakeholders, troubleshooting technical issues, and providing support for advanced technologies. The ideal candidate will have an HNC or equivalent in IT asset management, along with relevant experience. Competitive salary package, hybrid working options, and excellent benefits are offered.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days

Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• HNC or equivalent or relevant experience in an IT based asset management function.
• Relevant IT based qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage user accounts and support users of the asset management system.
• Advise on highways asset management and produce condition reports.
• Provide technical support and troubleshoot system issues.

Job description

We are seeking to recruit a Highway Assets Technical Officer whose primary responsibility will be to ensure that Highways Asset Management is delivered effectively and efficiently through the use of all highways-related systems. The role involves working as part of a dedicated team that acts as the single point of contact for asset management systems, including supporting the implementation of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) camera systems for monitoring highway condition data.

You will be responsible for coordinating and compiling highway reports for inclusion in the Highways Asset Management Plan, while ensuring that all systems and technologies are used to accurately record highways assets, their condition, and other related information for the benefit of all system users. The position requires regular liaison with internal and external stakeholders, providing a clear point of contact for all DCC-related asset issues. In addition, you will resolve technical highways issues, recommend improvements to asset management systems, attend user group meetings, and produce service‑specific reports for stakeholders and system users.

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

The duties of this role include, but aren’t limited to:

• General management of user accounts, creating, amending, and removing users from the asset management system.
• To lead on highways asset management systems issues across highways assets under the management of the County Council (i.e. roads, footways, gullies, road lighting, trees) including the provision of specialist advice to colleagues in respect of the production of condition reports.
• Provision of technical highways reports in respect of service delivery across Strategic Highways and Highways Services.
• Be a point of contact for all system users in respect of asset management, artificial intelligence, and other related highway systems.
• Direct liaison with the external stakeholders and Account Managers to ensure value for money is achieved and we get the best from the systems and the contracts.
• Provide technical support to ICT to facilitate the delivery of IT related requirements in the procurement of software and systems.
• Troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues, identifying trends and recognising when there is a need for escalation in line with the contracts.
• Identify opportunities to improve highway assets functions in consultation with providers and DCC staff. Dissemination and demonstration of changes to systems as required.
• Identify and prioritise system issues, providing a timely response and communication.
• Attend user group, account, internal and external system related meetings as required both locally and nationally and provide technical advice and support when required.
• Arrange and coordinate regular meetings with all system users to identify improvement opportunities.
• Learn and receive training to stay ahead of emerging technologies, to provide an up-to-date and efficient service that supports the needs of the business through a substantial period of change.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems and procedures, highlight efficiencies across all assets related systems.
• First point of contact for all hardware related issues.
• Ensure that any system errors are effectively communicated to users.
• Ensure all suppliers comply with the contractual requirements of the software or hardware used in the delivery of asset management.
• Produce Technical Guidance Notes for the delivery of services included in asset management and also undertake demonstration training where required.
• Assist in the review of contract delivery in respect of highway asset management.

The above is not exhaustive and the post holder will be expected to undertake any duties which may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and the competence of the post as directed by the Highway Assets Manager.

We encourage you to contact Andrew Blanckley via email at [e-mail] to arrange an informal discussion about the role.

WHAT WILL I NEED?

The essential qualifications for this post are:

• HNC or equivalent or have relevant experience in an IT based asset management function. A relevant IT based qualification.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria.

HOW TO APPLY

In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal.

Please use the ‘Person Specification’ section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short‑listed.

INTERVIEWS

Interviews are scheduled to be held week commencing 19/01/26.

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits-if-you-work-for-us.

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

‘We welcome applications from disabled people and those who are or consider themselves to be neurodivergent’

HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted. For guidance on completing your application, visit our website: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/2083/How-to-apply-for-a-job-with-us.

If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27 (option 4) or via email [e-mail].

All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from [e-mail]. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.

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