Water Officer in Ipswich

Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX (or other locations for work include Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds and Hybrid working

Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)

Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available

Contract: Permanent

We're passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Water Officer within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive impact on the operational capabilities of the service.

Your role and responsibilities:

• Acting as the single point of contact for developers and planners regarding water supply requirements for new developments.
• Reviewing and responding to planning applications, to ensure adequate water supplies are available for new developments and preparedness for new and evolving infrastructure risks to the county.
• Leading and supporting the team of hydrant inspectors, helping to maintain and improve Suffolk’s hydrant network.
• Producing and overseeing Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s hydrant maintenance programme.
• Liaising with water undertakers to coordinate repairs, installations, inspections and water supply arrangements.
• Ensuring legislation such as the Fire Service Act 2004, Water Act 1960 and Town and Country Planning Act is applied correctly.
• Overseeing departmental budgets and contributing to business planning and strategic development.
• Representing the Service in key internal and external forums, such as S106 working groups and NFCC national meetings.

Your work will directly contribute to ensuring firefighters always have access to the water they need when they need it.

You will need:

• A Level 4 qualification in Business Management (or equivalent experience).
• Strong organisational skills to manage consultations, data, and operational programmes.
• The ability to lead and support a team, providing clear guidance and direction.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor technical information for different audiences.
• Confidence in managing relationships with external partners, negotiating positive outcomes, and resolving complaints constructively.
• Knowledge of the legislation relating to water for firefighting and planning frameworks.
• The ability to prepare reports, risk assessments and present information to stakeholders.

We’d also love it if you have:

• Project management qualification and/or experience (desirable).
• NEBOSH certificate (desirable).

The team:

You’ll join a supportive and dedicated team within the Protection function working on behalf of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Working alongside inspecting officers, technical specialists and planning partners, we take pride in ensuring the safety of communities across Suffolk. We work collaboratively, share ideas, and support each other to deliver the best outcomes for the county. Our work matters, and you’ll see the direct impact of everything you do.

Hybrid working is supported, and office working is flexible between the following locations including Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

Empowering Everyone:

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information:

Please contact Ann Hurst, Station Manager, for a casual conversation. You can contact them by either calling 07784021511 or emailing ann.hurst@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to apply:

1. Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
2. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
3. Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below to demonstrate your experience and skills (no more than 300 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

1. Describe a time when you managed a project or piece of work with multiple stages, deadlines and stakeholders. What was your role and what was the outcome? (300 words)

2. Tell us about a time when you made a positive difference to your team, service or local community. What motivated you and what impact did you have? (300 words)

3. Can you give an example of when you had to remain resilient and work under pressure to meet a strict deadline or consultation timeframe? How did you manage it? (300 words)

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Applications without both documents will not be progressed.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 28 June 2026. Interview date: Week commencing 6 July 2026.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.