Senior Engineer (Flood Management & Land Drainage) (Full Time) in Huddersfield

Help shape the future of flood risk management in Kirklees. Kirklees Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Engineer to join our Flood Risk Management & Land Drainage Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in managing flood risk across the district, helping to ensure that new developments are safe, sustainable and resilient to future climate challenges.

Working within the Council's Lead Local Flood Authority function, you will use your technical expertise to influence development, support local communities and help deliver projects that reduce flood risk and improve environmental outcomes. As part of a small, supportive team that prides itself on making a difference, you will work collaboratively with colleagues, developers, elected members, communities and partner organisations to help protect people, property and infrastructure across Kirklees.

About the role

As a Senior Engineer, your primary focus will be providing specialist flood risk and drainage advice in support of the Council's statutory role as consultee to the Local Planning Authority. You will play a key role in reviewing development proposals, working with developers and planning colleagues to ensure that new developments incorporate safe, sustainable and policy-compliant drainage solutions. In addition to this planning-focused role, you will contribute to the wider work of the Flood Risk Management and Land Drainage Team, supporting flood investigations, flood risk projects, and community resilience activities as priorities require.

• Provide pre-planning advice to developers on surface water drainage and flood risk management matters.
• Assess planning applications and provide clear technical advice to the Local Planning Authority.
• Work with developers and stakeholders to secure sustainable drainage solutions that comply with local and national policy requirements.
• Support the creation of Kirklees’s Local Plan, advising on suitability of land allocations, and develop and adapt local planning policies, to promote safe housing provision and commercial expansion within the district.
• Work flexibly across the wider Flood Risk Management function, supporting the evolving priorities of a small team and broadening your experience across a range of flood risk activities.
• Investigate flood incidents, produce reports and identify practical solutions to reduce future flood risk.
• Help develop and maintain information on flood risk and drainage assets across the district.
• Support the delivery of flood mitigation schemes and programmes funded through internal and external investment.
• Promote natural flood management and nature-based solutions through partnership working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work with local communities and businesses to improve awareness of flood risk and build resilience.
• Provide specialist flood risk advice and training across the Council and represent Kirklees at regional forums where appropriate.

The role is primarily based in Huddersfield town centre, with opportunities for hybrid working. Travel across the district will be required to undertake site visits, investigations and stakeholder engagement activities.

What we’re looking for

You will be a proactive and technically capable professional with a passion for flood risk management, sustainable development, and delivering practical solutions that make a difference to communities.

• HNC/HND, Level 4 qualification or above in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience as a minimum requirement. Candidates with a degree and significant relevant experience may be considered for appointment at a higher grade.
• Experience of flood risk management, drainage engineering, and relevant legislation.
• A strong understanding of the planning process and its relationship with drainage and flood risk management, with experience of providing technical advice on development proposals.
• Knowledge of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), Natural Flood Management and nature-based solutions.
• The ability to interpret flood modelling, mapping and technical data, including drainage design software outputs, to support robust decision-making.
• Experience of using GIS data and digital systems to assess and communicate flood risk.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently with developers, elected members, colleagues, and members of the public.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative approach to delivering solutions.
• A level of experience of flood risk and/or drainage within a local authority, water company, Environment Agency or other Risk Management Authority (e.g. Highways Authority), or drainage design experience with a consultancy is regarded as essential.
• A full UK driving licence is required, as travel across the district is an essential part of the role.