Enforcement & Compliance Officer in Highbridge

Are you passionate about the environment? Do you want to make a difference to the water management of the Somerset Levels and surrounding areas? We want to hear from you. The IDB is looking for a Compliance/Enforcement Officer to join our Development Control Team to assist in monitoring and compliance check structures along our rhyne network. This work will require recognising potential flood risk arising from structures and identifying responsible parties and taking appropriate actions to remediate flood risks.

The Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium is the organisation that manages the operations and affairs of three Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) in Somerset. The main activities of the Boards are to manage water levels and Flood Risk for the protection of people, property and the environment. With the support of our Engineers, the Development Control Team works with Developers to mitigate the impact that development has on flood risk areas and monitors work in or near watercourses. We work closely with local authorities across the Boards area.

The focus of this role is to ensure that our Boards can continue to effectively manage flood risk following development across the Boards areas. We are looking for someone who can work well in a team and has strong interpersonal skills for engaging with customers. If successful you will manage the enforcement of our byelaws for all Boards within the Somerset Drainage Boards Consortium (SDBC).

Working alongside an experienced team you will:

• Be familiar with the planning application and land drainage consents process for working on or adjacent to watercourses
• Carry out compliance checks of consented and unconsented work
• Communicate and negotiate with developers and customers to resolve potential breaches
• Ensure that any unconsented works adjacent to, or in, any ordinary watercourse within the Boards’ Districts, are remediated appropriately and promptly so that there is no long-term impact on the working of the drainage system and does not compromise the environment

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain further knowledge and experience on water management and development within flood risk areas. This post is Full Time based from our office in Highbridge, with site visits across the Boards areas forming part of the role.

Experience and Skills

• BTEC Level 3 in Construction & the Built Environment, Civil Engineering or equivalent
• A-levels in a Civil Engineering related subject, or be able to demonstrate similar levels of competence through relevant experience.
• Knowledge and understanding of planning and consenting legislation, codes of practice, construction and H&S Legislation, national and local guidance and best practice.
• Experience and knowledge of flood risk management, water level management or land drainage work
• Knowledge of Sustainable Urban Drainage Techniques
• Experience with sustainable and environmentally sound construction techniques
• Some experience of the hydrology of small catchments and the hydraulic design of systems and structures
• Good negotiation, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Sound knowledge of IT including Microsoft Word, Excel & Powerpoint
• A Valid Driving Licence
• Experience or demonstrable knowledge in Health & Safety legislation and procedures

In return we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes a competitive salary dependant on experience, a Local Government pension scheme, and generous Annual Leave.