Trainee Traffic Technician

Location: Merrion House, Leeds City Centre. Hybrid working subject to discussion.

Traffic engineering is a key part of the successful operation of a major highway authority. Traffic engineers analyse problems on the highway network and recommend solutions, including using engineering skills to re-design road junctions to improve road safety and changing speed limits and parking restrictions through legal processes.

Leeds is one of the major cities in the UK with a prominent role in the regional and national economy. In recent years a number of major national organisations have located in Leeds, including Channel 4 and the British Library and the city hosts many major national events like UKREiif and the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon.

As part of this growing status the city is developing at a fast rate and this brings a large programme of major transport investment, including many interesting and challenging new proposals for the city; recent examples include the £126m East Leeds Orbital Route and the transformational closure of City Square to through traffic. Leeds continues to be a key player in the development of innovative transport approaches such as active travel and bus infrastructure, and is expected to play a major role in the development of the forthcoming West Yorkshire Mass Transit. Leeds has also adopted the Vision Zero approach and is committed to making transformational and innovative changes to road safety.

At Leeds City Council our Highways and Transportation service helps to deliver these ambitions and our Traffic Engineering service plays a key role. We are currently recruiting for new Trainee Traffic Technicians to join our team and help with our varied and interesting programmes of work.

For this role we offer an Apprenticeship, with a day release at Leeds College of Building to study for a recognised qualification in Civil Engineering as well as on the job training. Successful applicants will be able to work towards a rewarding career in traffic engineering and will be able to play a part in improving the safe operation of the highway network in Leeds.

About you

• A commitment to develop your skills in traffic engineering and related disciplines.
• A positive approach to delivering the work of the service, undertaking tasks from start to finish with attention to detail and accuracy.
• A commitment to complete the Apprenticeship with the necessary studying both at college and in your own time as required.

About the role

The successful applicant will work as part of a team of traffic engineering professionals in developing and delivering traffic and road safety engineering solutions to a complex mix of local and strategic issues, reporting to one of our Senior Traffic Engineers. This role is an entry level position into traffic and highway engineering and requires good communication and analytical skills, with a strong grasp of mathematics and written English. This role includes some engagement and consultation with ward councillors, communities and stakeholders as well as dealing with contractors. Successful candidates will receive strong support to develop their skills in the profession through a combination of on and off job training including attendance at college.

What we offer you

• A competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Jonathan Waters, Principal Traffic Engineer. Call 0113 37874 92 or email Jonathan.Waters@leeds.gov.uk.

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £38,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job purpose: To commence training and development in the discipline of Traffic Engineering and Management. To gain practical experience in the work of Traffic Engineering and become familiar with the techniques, legislation and standards for traffic regulation, signing and engineering. To work as a member of teams involved in the investigation, design and implementation of traffic engineering schemes, regulations and signing.

The post holder will be able to progress through the specified grades as experience, qualification and knowledge is gained with support, guidance and training to the post holder to assist in effective delivery of the responsibilities. Within the role to gain practical experience in the work of a Traffic Technician becoming familiar with the practices, legal requirements and Health and safety techniques for the design and implementation of traffic engineering scheme designs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply knowledge, skills and experience in the design, delivery of traffic engineering schemes from concept to implementation.
• Work closely with internal services, consultants, contractors and developers in all aspects associated with the delivery and operation of the Traffic Engineering service.
• To comply with the accountability of the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with the Department Health and Safety Policy.
• Develop and apply knowledge, skills and experience as expected from a professional technician within the Traffic Engineering field, in accordance with all appropriate legislation, technical guidance and practice.
• Develop knowledge, skills and experience of carrying out the statutory duty and roles required under the Construction Design Management Regulations (2015).
• Work closely with internal and external services and contractors in the feasibility, design and delivery and commissioning of Traffic Engineering schemes.
• Develop and apply knowledge, skills and experience of managing projects and service improvements where required.
• To give advice and mentor junior members of staff where required.
• Liaising closely with colleagues in all areas of the department to secure the delivery of satisfactory services to Members, citizens and developers.
• Liaison and joint working with other teams, departments, Authorities, public bodies and private organisations.
• Keeping abreast of changes in legislation, policy and procedures, ensuring such changes are taken into account in all matters dealt with.
• Trainee Technicians will be required to successfully undertake an agreed course of formal training.
• The Directorate operates a Staff Appraisal and Development Scheme which includes individual Action Plans and a collective Training Plan. You will be expected to participate actively and responsibly in the agreement of a Personal Action Plan and in meeting its agreed aim and targets.
• To abide by the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
• To undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.

Qualifications

On appointment to the School and College Leaver Programme the minimum academic qualifications for the post of Trainee Technician Traffic Engineering are those required to commence studies at BTEC ONC level OR entry to the Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship Scheme.

Essential requirements

It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

• Able to communicate effectively with a range of people.
• Able to file, retrieve, sort and complete documents accurately.
• Able to process documentation and data using Word and Excel.
• Able to accurately enter/retrieve data from information systems.
• Able to work flexibly as part of a team.
• Able to prioritise works tasks to meet conflicting deadlines.
• Able to understand and follow instructions.
• An ability to respect sensitive and confidential information and work.
• Qualifications demonstrating ability in numeracy and literacy.
• Working as part of a team.
• Organising work tasks to meet appropriate service standards e.g. timeliness and accuracy.
• Use of the Microsoft package: Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Behavioural and other Characteristics

• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.