Land Drainage Engineer

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Lichfield; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional local authority in Lichfield is seeking a Flood Risk Officer to manage investigations and assist in delivering effective flood risk management services. The ideal candidate will ensure compliance with legal procedures and engage with various stakeholders, including local authorities and the public. This role provides flexible working options and the opportunity to make significant contributions to community safety and resilience against flooding.

Benefits

Supportive working environment

Work-life balance

Access to rewards program

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering flood risk services and collaborating with partner organizations.
• Knowledge of legal procedures related to flood risk management.
• Experience in engaging with the public and local system stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Investigate flooding inquiries from various organizations.
• Advise on riverside and land ownership issues.
• Assist in GIS planning for asset management.
• Support regulation of watercourses through engagement.
• Participate in flood emergency responses.

Skills

Knowledge of administrative procedures

Experience with drainage mapping

Good knowledge of flood risk policies

Experience with Local Authorities

Job description

Are you looking for an exciting development opportunity in the Council in the Flood Risk Management Team?

You will have the opportunity to work across a wide range of disciplines including highways, planning, environmental, and emergency planning disciplines, collaborating with various external partners. Our Flood Risk service is nationally recognized for its work and its success in delivering priorities such as providing flood risk management services to neighboring Lead Local Flood Authorities.

We are a Lead Local Flood Authority, responsible for flood-related functions including statutory responses to planning applications, flood investigations, land drainage consents, and scheme/project delivery. We act as the lead and coordinating body to reduce flood risk to residents and businesses within Staffordshire.

This role primarily involves undertaking flood investigations under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and executing our duties and powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

Main Responsibilities

• Investigate land drainage and flooding inquiries from the public, Parish and District Councils, County Councillors, the Environment Agency, Water Companies, neighboring Lead Local Flood Authorities, and other relevant organizations.
• Understand and advise on riverside and land ownership issues to communities and the public.
• Assist in producing plans using GIS, support asset management planning, and propose small-scale solutions to flooding issues.
• Support the regulation of ordinary watercourses through engagement and negotiation with landowners, and where necessary, initiate enforcement actions.
• Participate in major incident response during flood emergencies.

The Ideal Candidate

You will have experience in delivering flood risk services and working with partner organizations and highway services to promote efficient flood risk management. You should also have:

• Knowledge of administrative, statutory, and legal procedures related to highway, planning, land drainage, and flood risk management.
• Experience with drainage and flood risk mapping.
• Good knowledge of policies and standards related to flood risk management and drainage systems.
• Experience working with Local Authorities, the Environment Agency, Water Companies, and engaging with the public, landowners, and Council members.

We are open to discussing flexible working options. If you don’t meet all the requirements, consider applying anyway as we value transferable skills and experiences. For an informal chat, contact Jamie Cooper, Flood Risk Manager, at: [e-mail].

Interviews are scheduled for the week starting 1 September 2025.

Our Recruitment Process

We anonymize applications during shortlisting to ensure fairness. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight your suitability for the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are a unique county council, driven by our core values developed through staff feedback and best practices. Our values foster community spirit, pride, and ambition for a better future.

Our benefits include a supportive working environment, work-life balance, and access to our rewards and benefits program: Careers at Staffordshire.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer. We also support veterans and care leavers, offering guaranteed interviews if your application meets the minimum requirements.