Coastal Engineer – Career Grade - New Forest District Council in Lyndhurst

Do you have a passion for the coast and want to make a real difference to how it is managed?

We have an exciting opportunity for a Coastal Engineer to join our Coastal Service, supporting the delivery of the Council’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) services across a varied and challenging coastline. You’ll help plan, design, procure and supervise our coastal engineering maintenance programme, working closely with our in-house Engineering Works team, while also contributing to major coastal projects and providing technical support across the wider Coastal Service.

Would you like a role that takes you out and about across the stunning and varied coastline of the New Forest District?

Across 60 km of the New Forest coastline, we manage a diverse range of coastal defences, including rock and timber structures, seawalls, cliffs, and the dynamic barrier beach at Hurst Spit. In this role, you’ll be integral to both our day-to-day maintenance and monitoring operations and our long-term coastal defence projects. You’ll work alongside local authorities, the Environment Agency, and specialist technical consultants to help take forward projects arising from the recently adopted Christchurch Bay & Harbour FCERM Strategy and, following its adoption, the Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy.

About you

You’ll bring relevant experience from a coastal, engineering or environmental background, together with a good understanding of FCERM activities and procedures. Qualified to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant environmental or engineering discipline, you’ll have sound contract management knowledge and a practical, problem-solving approach. Strong IT skills, including AutoCAD and GIS, accurate record-keeping and effective communication skills are essential, alongside good interpersonal skills and experience of stakeholder engagement. Experience of engineering maintenance works and site supervision would be particularly valuable, while experience of Environment Agency business case development and partnership funding is desirable.

What’s in it for you:

As part of our commitment to being a supportive and people‐centredemployer, we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work:

• £41,499 – £50,339 (career grade) per annum plus essential user car allowance £1,239. (up to £51,400 per annum for exceptional performance once in post)
• 27 - 28 days leave plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service
• Hybrid working, with flexibility across our sites, and home working
• Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)
• Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice
• Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers
• Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories
• A values‐led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)
• Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth
• A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and offer a range of active staff networks, including:

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group
• LGBTQ+ Network
• Women’s Network
• Early Careers Network
• Neurodiversity Network

About us:

At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office‐based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‐quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.

We aim to foster a culture where people feel confident to share ideas, contribute their expertise, and develop through meaningful conversations with their managers and supported learning opportunities. Whilst we have our corporate values, LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness, we understand that different teams work in different ways, and we want our values to be lived in ways that make sense locally while staying true to our shared purpose as an organisation.

We want colleagues to thrive, which is why we promote wellbeing, balance, and opportunities for learning and progression. Our values guide how we work together and how we support each other to be confident, capable, and adaptable.

Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC

Please note: You’ll likely be aware that there is a government mandate to deliver Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to Hampshire and the Solent region, meaning a transition into a new operating structure from an agreed future date. This transition is currently paused following a recent government announcement, but it is important that applicants understand how this may affect their employment should they be successful. You will find attached a useful LGR update sheet at top of this advert.

If you’re interested

Please see the candidate booklet for more information about working at the Council and the job description.

If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to delivering excellent public services, and looking for a place where you can develop and continue to grow, we would be delighted to receive your application.

If you are interested in this role, we would love to hear from you. For further information or an informal discussion regarding the position, please contact Peter Ferguson on 023 8028 5318 or Steve Cook on 023 8028 5311.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use AI tools to assist with completing their application. Please bear in mind it’s important that your application remains an accurate and honest reflection of your own skills, experience, and achievements. Please ensure that any content generated or supported by AI truly represents you and your capabilities, as this will form the basis of our assessment throughout the recruitment process

Please note this role is subject to a basic DBS check, you must include details and dates of ‘unspent’ convictions, cautions and reprimands and final warnings.

Closing date: 11pm Thursday 18th October 2026

Interview Dates: 2nd, 3rd, 4th November 2026

To apply please click the "apply now" button below.