At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful flood and coastal management projects to protect communities across Somerset.
- Company: Somerset Council, dedicated to tackling climate change and flood risks.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Permanent, full-time role with hybrid working options and no sponsorship available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while shaping policies on critical environmental issues.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering, chartered status, and experience in flood risk management.
The predicted salary is between 41771 - 46142 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 9 ranging from £41,771 - £46,142 per annum
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.
What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills
- In‑depth understanding of flood and coastal management functions and relevant legislation, including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Land Drainage Act 1991 and Coast Protection Act 1949.
- Proven experience providing senior professional and technical advice on flood and coastal management issues.
- Demonstrable experience in the development and delivery of civil infrastructure projects, particularly relating to flood risk, drainage or coastal defence.
- Strong understanding of engineering infrastructure asset management, including risk, criticality, lifecycle planning and investment.
- Experience delivering or supporting Local Flood Risk Strategies and meeting statutory responsibilities.
- Ability to assess complex flooding, drainage and coastal issues at desktop and site level and provide proportionate, evidence‑based advice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly to a wide range of audiences.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, leadership and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external organisations.
- Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, with ongoing commitment to professional development.
- Chartered status with a relevant professional body (e.g. ICE).
- Experience developing long‑term programmes of work derived from policy and strategy.
- Experience contributing to service improvement plans and policy development.
- Experience with flood‑risk‑related planning processes, including development management input.
- Ability to develop innovative or novel engineering solutions to complex problems.
- Professional certification in flood risk management or a related specialism.
- Additional training in flood and coastal management and/or project management.
- Proficiency in GIS and/or remote sensing technologies.
- Aware of emerging best practice and innovation in flood and coastal management.
Additional Information
- Permanent, Full‑time role (37 hours per week)
- 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
- Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
- Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Neil Ogilvie, Service Manager – Flood and Coastal Management via email: neil.ogilvie@somerset.gov.uk. A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
Chief Flood & Coastal Engineer in Taunton employer: Somerset-Council-1
As a leading authority in flood and coastal management, Somerset Council offers an exceptional work environment where you can make a tangible impact on community safety and resilience. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative culture, this role provides the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders while shaping vital policies that protect our environment. Join us in a meaningful career that not only values your expertise but also supports your professional growth in a picturesque location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Flood & Coastal Engineer in Taunton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in flood and coastal management on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and current issues in flood risk management. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to the role, so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Flood & Coastal Engineer in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in flood and coastal management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your technical knowledge and experience. We’re looking for someone who can provide senior professional advice, so be sure to include specific examples of your past work in this area.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are crucial for this role. Use clear and concise language in your application to demonstrate your ability to explain complex technical matters to a variety of audiences, just like you would in the job.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the key legislation related to flood and coastal management, like the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also understand the legal framework that guides it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully managed flood risk or delivered civil infrastructure projects. Highlight your role in these projects and the impact they had, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Chief Flood & Coastal Engineer.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach collaboration with key partners like the Environment Agency and local councils. Be ready to discuss your experience in stakeholder engagement and how you’ve navigated complex relationships in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to convey complex information to a variety of audiences, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will be crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your communication skills.
