At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Highway Operations Team to enhance community services and ensure safe road maintenance.
- Company: North Somerset Council, dedicated to creating a fair and inclusive environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, professional development, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for additional leave and employee support groups.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while developing your career in highway maintenance.
- Qualifications: Vocational qualification or extensive practical experience in highway services required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Us. 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 Team provide high quality, cost effective, frontline highway maintenance services which are of high importance to residents' and visitors of North Somerset. In this role, you will assist in the provision of an efficient, effective and economic customer focused services within Highway Services, using skills that would have been gained through professional qualifications and/or extensive practical experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Respond efficiently and effectively to enquiries and complaints to provide an excellent customer focussed service, seeking opportunities for improvement by building effective relationships with all stakeholders.
- Inspect and monitor works carried out by the Council’s contractors and monitor statutory undertakers and their contractors ensuring safe practices and appropriate standards of workmanship.
- Carry out inspections for all areas provided by the service, record and report relevant information sufficient to enable robust service in relation to accident/damage claims and enforcement matters.
- Initiate repairs following inspections and assist in the preparation of minor work schemes and programmes of work in relation to the Street Scene Environment.
- Represent the Council at various meetings, Town and Parish Councils and other customer groups as and when required on all matters relating to Neighbourhood Management.
Valid driving licence 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.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about highway maintenance and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria
- Vocational qualification to level 3 or 4 relevant to the service user group or extensive practical experience of working within the service area.
- Knowledge and understanding of technical standards, safe working practices and legislation for service areas.
- Must have the ability to travel around the geographical area independently to cover service needs in and out of working hours.
Desirable Criteria
- Lantra Highway Inspector qualification.
- Streetworks Accreditation.
What We Offer
At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Local Government Pension.
- 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.
- Company lease hire vehicle under P11D terms and conditions.
Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.
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.
Important Information
As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.
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 advertisement early or extend closing date depending on the number of applications received.
Area Officer X2 employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, where employees are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we empower our staff to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us in our mission to create a fair and green environment for all residents of North Somerset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Officer X2
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, or join online forums. Building connections can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show them you’re genuinely interested in making a positive impact in the community!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to customer service and teamwork. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Officer X2
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for highway maintenance shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a positive impact in our community!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant qualifications and practical experience. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the role of Area Officer.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highway maintenance and the specific responsibilities of the Area Officer role. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation, technical standards, and safe working practices. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand it too.
✨Show Your Customer Focus
Since this role is all about providing excellent customer service, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully handled enquiries or complaints. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with stakeholders and improved services based on feedback.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations related to inspections or monitoring works. Think through some scenarios in advance and be prepared to explain your thought process and decision-making. This will demonstrate your practical experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Flexibility
With the hybrid working environment, be prepared to talk about your preferred work style and how you can adapt to the needs of the team. Highlight your ability to work independently in the field while also being a team player when required. This shows that you’re adaptable and ready to contribute effectively.
