Senior Flood Risk Officer

Job reference: PLCA0408
Salary: £36,648 – £39,186 per annum
Location: Based in Castlewood, Clevedon
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

We are seeking someone with a background in flood risk management, surface water drainage
design/approval or coastal management to join the team. You will be working within an
experienced team, which will enable further development of skills. The role is varied and
exciting, with opportunities to be involved in both inland and coastal aspects of flood risk
management.

About the role

North Somerset is unique in the flood risk challenges that it faces. Around a third of the
district is at risk of flooding from the sea, surface water flooding impacts most of our urban
and rural communities. Groundwater flooding, in the form of intermittent springs, also adds to
the challenge.

As a Senior Flood Risk Officer in the small and dynamic Flood Risk Team, you will have a vital
role in leading on ensuring flood risk is managed for residents, businesses and visitors. The
authority is also starting to use innovative techniques such as natural flood management and
property-level flood resilience to manage flood risk.

Your role will include:

• Supporting us in delivering our Statutory LLFA duties and Coast Protection Authority roles,
• Reviewing and advising on sustainable drainage matters as part of the planning process,
• Issuing watercourse and land drainage consents,
• Inspecting and assessing coastal assets,
• Working with key stakeholders including the Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Board,
  water companies, neighbouring LLFAs and our residents to manage flood risk,
• Leading on undertaking flood investigations and maintaining relationships with affected
  landowners and stakeholders to establish the causes of flooding and determine potential
  mitigation to reduce the risk of flooding happening again,
• Leading on developing schemes, including the use of natural flood management, property
  level flood resilient and coastal defence repairs and improvements,
• Working within a wider green infrastructure team helping to deliver broader environmental
  objectives,
• The role offers flexible working arrangements, with working from home and the office in a
  hybrid environment is a key part of the role.

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

This position is currently based at our Castlewood offices in Clevedon. Please be advised that
this office will be closed by 2025. Consultation is currently underway to determine the new
location for colleagues based in Castlewood. This will be at Weston-super-Mare or within North
Somerset.

About you

You will have an approved professional qualification in an engineering or environmental
discipline relevant to flood risk management and practical experience working in water or
environmental engineering giving rise to a variety of technical skills and a thorough
understanding of the principles of work practices and processes.

You will also have extensive practical experience of working within the flood risk service
area, giving rise to a variety of technical skills and sound understanding of the standards,
legal responsibilities, work practices and processes relevant to the role.

Why North Somerset Council?

We understand working for a local authority is more than just a job. We want to ensure our
employees remain passionate about what they do and enjoys their time at North Somerset. Whether
that means you want training and development opportunities or a flexible working arrangement to
fit around family commitments, we will work with you to ensure you are getting the best out of
your employment.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and
flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave
allowance with the option to purchase up to an additional 10 days per year. Further details of
our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

Want to know more and apply?

To apply, please click the apply button below.

For an informal discussion, please contact Simon Bunn, Flood Risk Manager, on 01934 427362.

Closing date: 28 June 2024.

Interview date: 10 July 2024.

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. 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.

Please note: We are currently only accepting applications from candidates who have full
permission to work in the UK.