Area Officer

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The role.

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Area Officer to join our Highway Operations team. The Highway Operations are responsible for maintaining the highway network. In this role, you will be a frontline inspector of our road network, ensuring safety and efficiency through inspections and timely repairs. Your role will be pivotal in maintaining the quality of our highways and responding to the needs of our community.

Key responsibilities

• Respond to customer enquiries with professionalism and efficiency.
• Conduct planned highway inspections to identify and address issues promptly.
• Coordinate minor repairs to maintain road safety and manage the flow of work to a dedicated patching gang.
• Monitor contractor work quality to ensure high standards.
• Participate in an on-call team to handle out-of-hours highway emergencies.

Valid driving licence, or be able to provide an alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated. This role falls into the category of Mobile/Field Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 0-1 day in the office.
• Includes field workers who primarily work remotely.
• Comes into the office for meetings or focused work. Virtual connections with the team are essential, with portable technology supporting work on the go.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

Contact information.

For further information about the role, please contact Phil Bush, Head of Highway Operations, at phil.bush@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07776 170230.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Using artificial intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Equal opportunities.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.

Essential requirements

• Proven Organisational and Oral and Written Communication Skills.
• Vocational qualification equivalent to level 3 or 4 relevant to the service, or exceptional experience and knowledge of the service.
• Able to work with a range of customers and demonstrate commitment to customer care.
• Ability to travel around the district daily.
• A qualification to HNC standard in a related discipline would be an advantage.
• City & Guilds supervisor accreditation in New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
• Be a member of, or working towards full membership of a related professional institution or body.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.