Watercourse and Drainage Engineer (2 year Fixed Term Contract)

• Job_description_-_Watercourse_and_Drainage_Engineer
• Employee_profile_-_Watercourse_and_Drainage_Engineer

Please apply online via the link provided.

Working hours: 37.5 hours per week (banking up to 30 minutes per week to be used towards the shut down between Christmas and New Year)

Harlow is at an exciting point in its history; one that is embarking on major transformation that will be the most impactful local authority across the country. Our Six Missions prioritize all that we want to achieve over the coming years: Transforming Harlow’s Housing, Renew Our Neighbourhoods, Rebuild Our Town, Secure Investment for Harlow’s Future, Protect our Communities and Deliver High Performing Council Services.

Harlow’s design was influenced by the area’s distinctive landscape and environmental features that have led to the provision of Green Wedges across the town. These distinct geographical features are important ecological and community assets that also contain a significant number of watercourses and drainage infrastructure that require regular maintenance, enhancements and improvements that will ‘Renew our Neighbourhoods’ and ‘Protect Our Communities’ for years to come.

You will have experience and knowledge of land drainage legislation as well as technical and practical experience of managing watercourses ranging from ditches, ponds and rivers. You will be required to develop a Watercourse Maintenance Policy ensuring that it will establish processes and practices resulting in the effective management of watercourses. In addition, you will be required to identify and record information relating to watercourses that will see the development and delivery of an effective programme of works.

Good communication skills are critical as the role will involve meetings and communications at all levels from officers within the Environment service to council members as well as negotiating with contractors and dealing with public enquiries to achieve positive outcomes in sometimes contentious and sensitive situations. You will have a technical background with extensive knowledge of how to design for appropriate drainage repairs/improvements, bank stability measures, water control methods and the knowledge of associated surveying / civils equipment and machinery necessary to maintain and repair our watercourses.

We welcome secondment applications from Local Government employees.

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Dean James, Operations Manager - GIS and Infrastructure, on 01279 446687

Our policies support our employees by enabling a positive work/life balance. Employees will attend their contractual place of work at least 4 days each week (pro rata for part-time). The Council offers many excellent employee benefits which include, pension scheme, generous annual leave entitlement, health and wellbeing initiatives, and development opportunities.

Harlow Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Employee Profile.