Street Lighting Senior Technician

Role Purpose:

To take responsibility for the professional and customer focussed management of the Street Lighting function as well as contractors as necessary. Taking a supporting role in the development, implementation and continuous improvement of all public lighting systems and maintenance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the maintenance and installation of public lighting on the highway.
• Monitor the workflow and ensure a regular work programme.
• Ensure that all work is carried out according to the specification.
• Manage an out of hours highway Emergency Service and arrange adequate cover.
• Supervise external contractors.
• Support with the financial management of public lighting.
• Liaise with Asset Management team and provide information as required to maintain an up-to-date record of highway assets.
• Maintain an awareness of current legislation and technical developments relating to these services and advise senior management on how they affect service delivery.
• Ensure compliance with the Councils systems for the implementation of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations.
• Draft, co-ordinate and ensure that all correspondence, enquiries and complaints relating to projects involving the Street lighting Team are effectively dealt with.
• Demonstrate skill in management of Capital and Revenue budgets and associated resources to produce accurate annual profiles and forecasts including financial contingency planning for unavoidable budget pressures.
• Represent the Street Lighting Team in the financial planning and bidding process as required.
• Manage change and be a pro-active corporate team player, involved in service and resource planning.

People Management Responsibilities:

The post holder may be responsible for the direct line management of up to 4 professional, technical and support staff. This will include supervision and appraisal being carried out on staff.

Relationships:

The post reports directly to the Street Lighting Manager. The post holder will work with internal partners and external stakeholders and contractors. The role is primarily office based but external meetings and site meetings and other out-of-hours events may be necessary.

The post holder will be expected:

• To be available for the organisation and provision of Emergency Services during and out of normal office hours every day of the year on a 24hr basis and be able to attend to the incident within two hours of being notified.
• To travel to meetings and to site on a regular basis which may involve exposure to potential hazards.
• To be innovative and reactive in the role in order to identify and resolve any forthcoming and existing problems that would have a detrimental impact on the use of the public highway.
• To take responsibility for the effective delivery of maintenance regimes and projects making sure they are on time and on budget.
• To seek solutions to problems and changing environments, develop reports, review contracts and make recommendations for policy and procedures.
• To work flexibly, adjusting their own and the teams workload to meet work targets and the priority demands of the team.
• To meet targets and service standards.
• To deal with telephone calls, letters and e-mails relating to street lighting and resolve any issues by creativity.
• To carry out daily contact with other officers, Councillors, members of the public, outside agencies, contractors, suppliers outside and within the Council.

Technical Knowledge and Experience:

The post holder is expected to have:

• A sound understanding of customer care principles.
• A good understanding of IT and software packages.
• Substantial experience in the management of highway maintenance work e.g. public lighting, repair & maintenance.
• Experience in Highway emergency service provision.
• A sound knowledge of New Roads and Streetworks Act, Highways Act and Traffic Management Act in relation to these activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety legislation.
• An understanding of site waste management issues.
• A proven track record of 10 years successful high quality professional and managerial experience in working with Street lighting.
• Local government knowledge.
• Proven ability to make accurate and considered decisions.
• A Driving Licence.
• An awareness of the environmental issues facing an inner London borough.
• Experience of good interpersonal skills, confidence and the ability to negotiate with the public, contractors and clients.
• Experience of working in a team within a local authority dealing with street lighting.
• A flexible and innovative approach to work.