Lead Transport Policy Officer

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

North Somerset faces unique and complex flood risk challenges. A third of the district is at risk from sea flooding, surface water flooding affects many of our urban and rural communities, and groundwater flooding from intermittent springs adds to these challenges.

As a Senior Flood Risk Officer, you will play a key role in managing flood risk across the district. Working within a small but dynamic Flood Risk Team, you will take a leading role in flood risk management, working on inland and coastal flood risk projects and delivering innovative solutions, including natural flood management and property-level resilience schemes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) statutory duties and Coast Protection Authority responsibilities.
• Advise on sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) in the planning process, reviewing surface water drainage strategies and checking designs to ensure compliance.
• Issue and assess watercourse and land drainage consents under the Land Drainage Act 1991.
• Inspect and maintain coastal flood risk assets, providing expert advice on their management.
• Lead flood investigations, liaising with affected landowners and stakeholders to determine the causes of flooding and develop mitigation solutions.
• Develop and deliver flood risk management projects, including nature-based solutions, flood defence works, and property resilience initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Boards, water companies, developers, and residents to implement flood risk strategies.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of North Somerset’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy.
• Supervise and support junior officers in the team and mentor their professional development.
• Manage funding applications for flood mitigation projects and secure investment for flood risk reduction.

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

About You

We are looking for a proactive and knowledgeable flood risk professional with strong technical and project management skills.

Essential Criteria:

• Education: A degree or approved professional qualification in an engineering, environmental science, or related discipline relevant to flood risk management.
• Experience:
  • Extensive experience working in flood risk management, water engineering, or a similar technical role.
  • Sound knowledge of flood risk legislation, national policies, and technical standards.
  • Experience in assessing surface water drainage and SuDS in the planning process.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret flood models, hydraulic assessments, and risk management data.
  • Experience in the inspection, maintenance, and design of flood defence and coastal structures.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  • Strong knowledge of flood risk policy, legislation, and consenting processes (e.g., Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Land Drainage Act 1991).
  • Ability to develop and deliver flood mitigation projects, from concept to on-site delivery.
  • Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective stakeholder engagement and partnership working skills with government bodies, developers, and communities.
  • Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively.
• Other Requirements:
  • A valid driving licence and access to transport for site visits.
  • The ability to work flexibly, including site-based, office-based, and remote working.

Desirable Criteria:

• Chartered status or working towards Chartered Engineer (CEng), Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv), or Membership of CIWEM, ICE, or IEMA.
• Experience in securing flood risk funding (e.g., Flood Defence Grant in Aid, Local Levy funding).
• Working knowledge of GIS and hydraulic modelling software (e.g., Flood Modeller, InfoWorks ICM).
• Experience in natural flood management techniques and catchment-based solutions.
• Understanding of coastal processes and shoreline management plans.

What We Offer

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

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development
• Staff groups
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated 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 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 Simon Bunn Flood Risk Manager, at simon.bunn@n-somerset.gov.uk or 01934 427 362..

Interview Date: Wednesday 09 April 2025.

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.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Applications here.