Transport Policy Officer

North Somerset Council; Weston-super-Mare; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Weston-super-Mare is looking for a Transport Policy Officer. This role involves developing and reviewing transport policies, assessing new schemes, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have an understanding of transport policy, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a competitive salary and a supportive, hybrid working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Local Government Pension

Opportunities for professional development

Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work scheme

Electric Vehicle scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in transport planning is desirable.
• Ability to assess and analyse transport data.
• Demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• Develop new and existing transport schemes.
• Collate and analyse transport data for funding bids.
• Update or develop transport policies and strategies.

Skills

Understanding of transport policy

Data assessment and analysis

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Level 3-6 in a relevant subject including Geography, Planning, Mathematics, Engineering

Job description

Overview

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

We are looking for a Transport Policy Officer to join our Strategic Transport Planning team. The team is responsible for the development and review of the council’s transport policies and strategies alongside formulating action plans and programmes to ensure they are delivered. The team develops concepts and funding bids for new schemes and works at all levels including with senior officers and members as well as regional and national partners to enable these to come to fruition. The wider team also coordinates highways comments on planning applications.

In This Role, You Will

• Develop new and existing transport schemes to improve transport network connectivity and provide lower-carbon options to get around.
• Collate and analyse transport data to support funding bids, scheme design, evaluation and appraisal.
• Assess suggestions for new transport schemes in terms of policy fit, deliverability, potential benefits and high-level feasibility.
• Updating or developing transport policies and strategies in line with changes in national guidance or local priorities.
• Assess the impacts of new housing and employment developments.
• Respond to customer queries/complaints and participate in stakeholder engagement.

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

Salary

The potential appointment grades and starting salaries, subject to the applicant’s experience, are as follows:

• Level 5 £28,598
• Level 6 £32,061
• Level 7 £35,412
• Level 8 £39,152
• Level 9 £42,839

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:

• 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

Whilst experience in transport planning is desirable, we are interested in hearing from people with transferrable skills and can demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate an understanding of transport policy and strategy. You will also be able to demonstrate experience in assessing and analysing data, report writing and have good communication skills.

The post is career graded, and we are looking to appoint someone with relevant qualifications (Level 3-6 in a relevant subject including Geography, Planning, Mathematics, Engineering) and/or previous experience in Transport Planning/Policy or related area.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 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. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Darren Lovell, Acting Lead Transport Policy Officer, [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: TBC

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.