Highway Inspection Officer in London

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join us! This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £32,962 - £36,791 per annum.

About us: The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country. The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic Highway Inspection Officer to join our Highway Inspection team.

The Role:

• You will be reporting to Senior Highway Inspection Officer.
• Your role will involve:

• Carry out highway safety inspections in line with agreed inspection regimes within the HMMP along with reactive/ad hoc safety inspections.
• Ensure accurate recording of safety and service defects. Inspections include carriageways, footways, car parks, bus stops, signs and lines, tree visual inspections and overhanging vegetation.
• Issue Highways ‘calling card’ to private landowners as required.
• Respond/investigate to enquiries and complaints regarding Highway Services and take measures to reduce problems, thereby improving the Council’s image and standard of service and promoting the theme of customer care within the Highways Team.
• Communicate via Confirm (software), email, calls or visits in a timely manner, escalating where necessary.
• When defects are identified, ensure it is a Council responsibility before proceeding to act.
• Where budgets permit, organise works (raise works orders using schedules of rates, obtain C2 (utility) notices, arrange street works permit and any other approvals required).
• Work within agreed budget spend set by the Highways Contact & Maintenance Manager, ensuring expenditure always remains within budget, notifying of potential overspend or risk to overspend immediately through programmes of work.
• To ensure that all works are conducted in line with the Legal and organisational Health & Safety procedures, as well as ensuring the enforcement by bylaws, others similar legislation and the Councils policies. Key legislation – The Highways Act 1980.
• Maintain records of the highway inspections using computerised systems, updating as necessary.
• This includes assisting with ensuring that Confirm, QGIS, Street Manager and other systems (and data) are managed and updated to support the delivery of the street works and highway safety/asset management functions.
• To provide engineering knowledge and assistance to other members of the team and service, the Council and members of the public, including problem solving and arranging corrective action in relation to all basic safety maintenance of the highway’s infrastructure.
• Ensure all utility defects are made safe, reported and dealt with in a timely manner. This includes following the agreed S81 (Highways Act) process, gathering and logging all the required information.
• As part of the inspections check the quality of contractor work on site including health and safety compliance, sub-standard work by contractors, utilities and other third parties to RBWM and if necessary to the relevant utility company or Street works Inspection Officer.
• Endeavour to always ensure the safety of the public and users of the highway.
• Provide information and support RBWM highway claims procedure, including collecting information and photographic evidence to ensure insurance claims are accurately processed.
• Attend court as witness on behalf of the Highway Authority when required.
• Assist in managing and responding to emergency situations such as flooding and other emergencies.
• Attend regular progress/team meetings as appropriate and provide update to the Highways Contract & Maintenance Manager on all elements of works and finances.
• Keep informed of current legislation with particular regard to health and safety practice, good highway maintenance practice, Council Standing Orders and other directives issued by legislative bodies and the Council.
• Perform any other task that may reasonably be expected of the position and grade of the post.

What we are looking for:

• Valid full UK driving licence.
• GCSE’s Maths, English, Science and Computer Skills + 2 A Levels or NVQ Level 3 / ONC in relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Highway Safety Inspection C & G 6033 with Lantra skills card.
• Some experience of delivering highway asset protection, New Roads and Street Works Act, Highways Act.
• Knowledge of Highway Law (Highways Act 1980), Health and safety regulations and codes of good practice, CDM, etc.
• Experience/knowledge of road and street works monitoring specifically relating to the understanding of reinstatement materials, equipment and their correct use, storage and handling.
• The ability to work with minimal supervision in a busy office environment whilst prioritising and organising a varying workload.
• Experience/knowledge in the planning of a street works site relating to signing, lighting, guarding and site safety.

Please note, this role includes mandatory training. Successful candidates will be asked to sign a learning agreement alongside their employment contract.

What we offer:

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance.
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.
• Free employee parking close to the offices.
• Give As You Earn scheme.
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals.

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.

Interview dates: To Be Confirmed.

If you wish to discuss this position informally, please contact Sumati Sharma, Highways Contract and Maintenance Manager.