Clerk of Works in Colchester

Permanent, full‑time £33,716 to £39,665 per annum

Location: Colchester

Working style: Anywhere worker

Closing date: 7th January 2026 (11:59 pm)

About the role

Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country – 5,000 miles of roads and around 5,000 miles of footways. Essex Highways is a delivery partnership between Essex County Council and a contractual partner. As an Essex County Council employee you will work alongside our partner to deliver road maintenance, street lighting, drainage and flooding, winter travel, road safety, traffic management, highway development, bridges and structures, grass and vegetation, bus stops and shelters, public rights of way and road‑strategies for users of Essex highways.

The Clerk of Works engages with the private sector and district authorities to develop and deliver developer‑funded highway schemes and residential vehicle crossings. The role decides what can be adopted by the Highways Authority and ensures ongoing liabilities are minimised.

Accountabilities

• Monitor works for compliance with approved drawings/specifications and ensure construction follows the Development Construction Manual, Design Manual of Roads and Bridges, NRSWA 1991 and TMA 2004 requirements, delivering high‑quality outcomes.
• Obtain samples of materials for testing and analysis to ensure works meet the required standard according to Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and other relevant construction/H&S law.
• Identify snags and remedial works required, pursue any breaches and enforce statutory compliance for residential vehicle crossings in line with the Highways Practice Note on Vehicle Crossings.
• Collaborate with contractors, meeting agreed programmes and documenting progress through accurate weekly or ad‑hoc records.
• Maintain oversight of contractors’ operational compliance with Health and Safety legislation, bringing any non‑compliance to immediate attention.
• Ensure private roads under the Advance Payments Code are constructed to an appropriate standard to allow release of monies; supply all necessary information for formal action if a developer fails to lodge monies.

The experience you will bring

• Possesses a New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) accreditation Supervisor Certificate.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in the relevant professional area; membership of the Institute of Clerk of Works or working towards it.
• Proven experience in inspecting the construction of a wide range of highway schemes and knowledge of different materials and construction methods.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation as it applies to highway works – Construction, Design and Management Regulations, Chapter 8 Construction Skills Certification Scheme, Yellow ‘Regular Visitors’ card holder minimum.
• Proven competence in confined‑spaces entry procedures with escape sets and working in the vicinity of DNO/IDNO equipment (including G39/1).
• Knowledge of Highway Authority and Local Government policies, practices and procedures in relation to highway maintenance.
• Good IT skills encompassing the use of remote data capture devices and inspection recording systems.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with experience dealing with contractors, elected members and the public.
• Availability to be mobile throughout an operational area; a driving licence is required or other suitable arrangements must be made.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, Essex offers a stimulating public‑service environment, covering 1,420 sq mi and serving 1.8 million residents. Essex County Council is committed to transformational change, delivering better quality at lower cost, and recognises innovation and flexibility – whether you are developing your career or contributing to the community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

Disability and equal opportunity

Essex County Council is a Disability Confident Leader and encourages all disabled applicants to use the Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements. We also interview all veterans and care leavers who meet the minimum requirements. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please speak to our recruiters.

Background checks

As part of employment with Essex County Council, if your role requires a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for maintaining it.

Contact

Please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk with any queries about this role.