At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team on exciting projects like piers, harbours, and coastal protection.
- Company: Join a vibrant community in Orkney, known for its stunning lifestyle and happy residents.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, relocation expenses, and a fulfilling work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and diverse engineering environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on vital infrastructure while enjoying the beauty of island life.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering and 5 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50562 - 53482 € per year.
Job Description
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
\\nInfrastructure Services - Engineering Services
\\nLead Engineer (Structures/Harbours)
\\n35 hours per week
\\nPermanent
\\n£50,562 - £53,482 / £27.71 - £29.31 per hour (including Distant Islands Allowance)
\\nOrkney provides a beautiful setting in which to live and work and a wonderful opportunity to combine a fulfilling and challenging career with the best that the islands can offer in terms of lifestyle. Our vibrant and forward-thinking community is regularly voted the happiest and the best place to live in the UK. Our quality of life is second to none. With a rising population, excellent local services and a multitude of opportunities and facilities to cater for whatever your interests outside of work may be.
\\nWe are looking for an experienced Civil/Structural Engineer with structural design experience to lead a small but ambitious team working on projects which may include piers and harbours funded by capital and revenue, coastal protection, flood prevention, bridges and building structures. Reporting to the Service Manager Engineering, you will be a Chartered Civil Engineer or Structural Engineer and have experience of designing and managing projects.
\\nYou will be involved in providing services for the maintenance and ongoing development of existing harbours civil infrastructure including linkspan and walkway assets across 29 ports and piers. The Council has recently published a Harbours Master plan which includes major pier projects. You will potentially be involved in the delivery of these projects. There may also be the opportunity to be involved in the construction of wind farm and marine energy infrastructure.
\\nWhilst the position is demanding, it is also extremely rewarding through its focus on delivering lifeline infrastructure as well as constructing and maintaining assets which can be exposed to some of the harshest climatic conditions in the country. Whilst the Council is the smallest in the United Kingdom, its roles and responsibilities and the range of its infrastructure is broad, hence the engineering team draws enormous satisfaction from the diversity and intensity of its work.
\\nYou should have a degree in Civil and/or Structural Engineering or equivalent and have Chartered membership of a relevant professional institution e.g. ICE or IStructE. You must also have a minimum of 5 years previous relevant experience in either a design or construction industry related role.
\\nA NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health and Safety or equivalent is desirable.
\\nYou should be able to travel efficiently and effectively between work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.
\\nThis post is subject to Level 1 Disclosure Scotland clearance.
\\nProspective applicants are invited to discuss the post by contacting David Custer, Service Manager Engineering, e-mail david.custer@orkney.gov.uk or telephone 01856 873535.
\\nClosing Date: 23:59 on Sunday 2 November 2025
\\nPlease note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council policy.
\\nLead Engineer (Structures/ Harbours) - ORK09802 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join a vibrant and forward-thinking community in Orkney, where your role as a Lead Engineer (Structures/Harbours) will not only challenge you but also allow you to contribute to vital infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life for residents. With a strong focus on employee growth, a supportive work culture, and the unique opportunity to work in one of the happiest places in the UK, this position offers a fulfilling career alongside a remarkable lifestyle. Enjoy competitive pay, relocation support, and the chance to make a real impact in a diverse engineering environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineer (Structures/ Harbours) - ORK09802 in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might have insights into the role of Lead Engineer. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its projects. Knowing about the Harbours Master Plan and recent developments will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want you to sound confident and authentic, so don’t just memorise – understand what you want to convey about your experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineer (Structures/ Harbours) - ORK09802 in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in civil and structural engineering, especially any projects related to harbours or coastal infrastructure. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with managing projects and leading teams, as that’s key for us.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing duties. Did you lead a successful project? Did you improve processes? We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orkney Islands Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge related to civil and structural engineering. Be prepared to discuss your previous projects, especially those involving piers, harbours, and coastal protection. This will show that you’re not just a candidate but someone who understands the intricacies of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Engineer, you'll be managing a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led projects or teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate others and manage diverse tasks, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Understand the Local Context
Familiarise yourself with Orkney's unique infrastructure challenges and opportunities. Knowing about the Harbours Master Plan and recent projects can give you an edge. It shows your genuine interest in the community and the specific needs of the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the future projects, team dynamics, or how the council plans to tackle environmental challenges. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
