Highways Superintendent post with Somerset Council's highway authority, responsible for safety across the county's road network. The role centres on identifying and addressing risks, managing a devolved budget, and acting as the council's technical lead on highway legislation and traffic management. Work is split between the network and the office, with countywide travel and a provided van. Visa sponsorship is not offered, so candidates must already have the right to work in the UK.
What the job involves
- Ensure the council meets its statutory duties as Highway Authority, including key government legislation
- Respond to reports of dangerous highway conditions, inspecting, assessing risk and priority, and ordering repairs
- Give expert technical advice on highway legislation and temporary traffic management
- Deliver service plans to the required standard and optimise available resources
- Manage and control a devolved budget within financial parameters
- Coordinate local priorities and monitor the performance of highway maintenance service providers
- Liaise with the Assistant Highways Service Manager on emergency highway situations
- Work with parish councils, elected members and emergency services to agree priorities and resolve issues
- Ensure planned works meet design, safety and compliance obligations
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of the service
- Travel countywide, and sometimes further, to work on the highway network
Qualifications
- BTEC level in Civil Engineering, with relevant craft or technical experience
Experience
- Relevant experience within a highways service environment
- Experience of highway maintenance
- Understanding and experience of budget management
- Contract administration
- Ordering of engineering works
Skills & knowledge
- Detailed knowledge of highway construction and maintenance techniques
- Understanding of the Highways Act 1980
- Understanding of current health and safety legislation
- Understanding of political, financial and environmental issues at local level
- Proven technical ability to analyse local highway situations and identify priority areas
- Working knowledge of IT including Microsoft Office, MS Teams, SharePoint, GIS mapping and works ordering applications
Checks & eligibility
- Full UK driving licence
- Right to work in the UK without needing visa sponsorship
Other
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills
- Experience of dealing with the public on highway matters
Nice to have
- HNC in a relevant technical discipline
What’s offered
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working where service needs allow
- Health and wellbeing support, including confidential employee assistance
- Paid volunteering opportunities
- Van or vehicle provided for work
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
