Senior Engineer

The Methodist Church in Britain; Weston-super-Mare; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional develop

Job summary

North Somerset Council is seeking a Senior Engineer to lead General and Principal Inspections of highway structures. The role is largely remote and field-based with minimal time in the office, and a valid driving licence with own transport is essential.

The candidate will assess structural condition, prioritise maintenance, manage consents, and drive safety and value-for-money solutions aligned with Eurocodes, DMRB and MCHW standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent with substantial civil/structural experience.
• Knowledge of highway standards and Eurocodes.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, scheduling and delivery of inspections for highway structures.
• Ensure inspections follow standards and programmes for bridges and barriers.
• Assess structural condition and identify defects and risks.
• Prioritise maintenance and develop remedial actions.
• Plan consents from Network Rail and Environment Agency.
• Conduct site surveys and supervise works.
• Develop solutions and present engineering options.
• Ensure compliance with CDM and environmental requirements.

Skills

Verifications and validation practices

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering / HNC / HND with significant civil/structural experience

Tools

AutoCAD

AMX asset management system

Job description

This Senior Engineer post sits in the Highway Structures Team at North Somerset Council, which looks after around 1,026 bridges, retaining walls and crash barriers. The core of the work is leading General and Principal Inspections, assessing structural condition and risk, and shaping remedial options. It is a largely remote, field-based role with one day or less in the office, and a valid driving licence with own transport is essential. Full right to work in the UK is needed, as no sponsorship is available.

What the job involves

• Lead planning, scheduling and delivery of General and Principal Inspections across the highway structures portfolio
• Ensure inspections follow relevant standards, procedures and agreed programmes, covering bridges, culverts, retaining walls, PROW footbridges and crash barriers
• Assess structural condition and identify defects and risks
• Prioritise maintenance requirements and develop remedial actions to keep structures safe and serviceable
• Plan and obtain consents from stakeholders such as Network Rail and the Environment Agency
• Conduct site surveys and supervise construction works
• Develop solutions and present engineering options
• Ensure compliance with technical standards such as Eurocodes, DMRB and MCHW
• Assist in preparing and monitoring project budgets and reporting on project resources
• Develop safe, sustainable and value-for-money solutions
• Drive health, safety and welfare practice in the team, including CDM and environmental compliance
• Highlight and adopt innovation and best practice where practicable

Qualifications

• BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering, or HNC (NVQ level 4) or HND (NVQ level 5) with significant civil or structural experience

Experience

• Significant years of experience in civil or structural engineering
• Practical experience of General and Principal Inspections on highway structures

Skills & knowledge

• Knowledge of codes and standards for highway works, including BS, Eurocodes, DMRB and MCHW
• Understanding of verification and validation practices for design, construction and structural assessment
• Excellent organisational skills, managing and prioritising work to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Checks & eligibility

• Valid driving licence and own transport, or another suitable method of travel
• Full permission to work in the UK, as no sponsorship is offered

Nice to have

• Understanding and practical experience of NEC3 or NEC4 contract principles
• Software experience such as AutoCAD
• Experience managing highway structures using electronic asset management systems such as AMX or equivalent

What’s offered

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Option to buy up to 10 additional days of annual leave each year
• In-house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes
• Staff forums for carers, disabled staff, LGBTQ+ staff, REACH and young staff