Network Services Assistant Engineer - Highways & Traffic Services

We are looking for a motivated and technically skilled Assistant Engineer to join our Network Services team. This is a varied and rewarding role, contributing to the design, delivery and management of highway, transport, parking and traffic signal schemes that directly impact the safety and efficiency of the borough’s road network. This is a civil engineering and transport-focused role and is not an IT or telecommunications position.

About The Role:

• You will undertake a broad range of duties relating to network management, parking, transport and traffic signal projects, from investigation and design through to delivery and site supervision.
• You will project manage allocated schemes, monitor budgets, act as Engineer’s Representative and ensure all works comply with relevant legislation and health and safety requirements, including CDM regulations.
• The role includes supporting the development and operation of Urban Traffic Management and Control (UTMC) systems, including traffic signals, SCOOT, RTPI, bus priority, VMS and CCTV.
• You will also support event planning and operations that impact the highway network.
• You will prepare reports, drawings and technical information, respond to enquiries from Councillors and members of the public, attend committees and briefings, and contribute to consultation and community initiatives.
• The role includes supervising Network Services Technicians and deputising for senior colleagues when required.

About You:

• You will have a qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, with the level depending on entry point (ONC; HNC/Degree), alongside a strong understanding of relevant legislation and current network management, parking and urban transport issues.
• Please note that this role relates to highways, transport and traffic infrastructure rather than IT network systems.
• Experience in traffic signal maintenance, UTMC systems and temporary traffic management design is desirable.
• You will bring experience of working in a customer-focused technical environment, managing projects, preparing formal reports and liaising with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected members.
• You will be confident using AutoCAD or similar design software, alongside standard office applications, and able to plan, prioritise and manage a diverse workload effectively.

What the role offers:

• A varied and impactful role shaping the borough’s highway and transport network.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and events.
• Professional development and career progression support.
• A supportive team environment within a public service organisation.

Additional information:

• Some out-of-hours and occasional weekend working is required.
• A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.
• The role involves site visits and working from different office locations.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.

Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

• Work Together as one team: Work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
• Drive Efficiency: Show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency.
• Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
• Be Ambitious: Be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
• Make a Difference to Reading: Maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our offer:

• We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across.
• Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
• A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.

For more information on this position please contact James Penman – Network Services Manager on james.penman@reading.gov.uk or 07885 467 356.

Closing Date: Sunday 22nd November 2026

Interview Date: w/c 7th December 2026

Interview Setup: In person at the Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU.