At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful flood and coastal management projects that protect communities.
- Company: Join a respected Council dedicated to tackling climate change challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team making real changes across Somerset.
- Why this job: Shape policies and strategies that directly influence community safety and resilience.
- Qualifications: Experience in flood management and strong technical expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 46142 £ per year.
Flooding and coastal change are among the most complex and important challenges facing communities today, and this senior role offers the chance to lead meaningful, high-impact work across Somerset. You’ll be trusted to shape how the Council responds to risk, growth and climate change, working on issues that truly matter to the places and people you serve. You’ll operate with real influence, contributing to strategic decisions, shaping policy and programme delivery, and representing the Council with senior stakeholders and partner organisations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to step into a visible, respected role, apply their expertise at a county‑wide scale and play a central part in protecting communities and infrastructure.
Role Summary
As our Flood and Coastal Principal Engineer, you’ll act as the Council’s Chief Technical Authority for flood and coastal management, fulfilling statutory duties as both the Lead Local Flood Authority and Coastal Protection Authority. You’ll provide senior technical oversight across planning, drainage, enforcement and asset management, helping to guide the Council’s approach to managing flood risk and coastal change.
What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities
- Act as the Council’s Chief Technical Authority for flood and coastal management, supporting statutory duties as Lead Local Flood Authority and Coastal Protection Authority.
- Lead the delivery of Somerset’s Local Flood Risk Strategy and support compliance with flood and coastal legislation.
- Provide senior technical advice on complex planning and development matters, including referrals, pre‑application advice, appeals and committees.
- Oversee flood and coastal infrastructure asset management, maintenance and renewal programmes, and critical infrastructure designation.
- Represent the Council with key partners and stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, water companies and the Somerset Rivers Authority.
Principal Flood and Coastal Engineer in Somerset employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a Principal Flood and Coastal Engineer with the Council, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to tackling critical environmental challenges in Somerset. The Council fosters a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional development, offering opportunities for growth and influence in shaping policies that protect communities. With a commitment to meaningful work and a supportive environment, this role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact on local resilience against flooding and climate change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Flood and Coastal Engineer in Somerset
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the flood and coastal engineering field on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Council’s recent projects and initiatives. We want you to show your passion for flood risk management and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Reach out directly to the Council or organisations involved in flood and coastal management. Express your interest and ask about potential opportunities. We believe proactive candidates stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! We’ve designed our application process to be straightforward, so you can showcase your skills and experience effectively. Let’s get you that Principal Engineer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Flood and Coastal Engineer in Somerset
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Principal Flood and Coastal Engineer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills and experience in flood and coastal management. We want to see how you’ve tackled similar challenges in the past and how you can bring that knowledge to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a real impact in Somerset.
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest flood and coastal management strategies. Familiarise yourself with Somerset’s Local Flood Risk Strategy and any recent legislation changes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested, but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your expertise in managing flood risk and coastal change. Think about challenges you've faced, how you overcame them, and the impact of your decisions. This will help you illustrate your capability as a senior professional.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be representing the Council with key partners, think about how you can demonstrate your experience in stakeholder engagement. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with organisations like the Environment Agency or local authorities in the past.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the Council's future plans. Inquire about their approach to climate change adaptation or how they measure the success of their flood management strategies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.
