Graduate Engineer Bridges - Req24444

As a Graduate Engineer within the Bridges team, you’ll thrive on the challenges from supporting the delivery of high quality and cost-effective engineering consultancy service in relation to highways structures. The role may encompass activities relating to the inspection, management, maintenance, assessment, design and construction of highway bridges and structures.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.

About you

As a Graduate Engineer, you will bring to the role:

• Demonstrable ability through qualification and/or relevant technical experience to become a successful bridge engineer.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, plans and maps.
• Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills.
• Working knowledge and technical principles in the relevant discipline.
• Working knowledge of Health, Safety and Welfare and CDM Responsibilities.

About the role 

As our next Graduate Engineer, you’ll be at the forefront of the delivery of structures related schemes within the Leeds City region and support the team in delivering schemes on time and on budget. You will work on a wide range of high value structures related schemes and must have a keen desire to develop your engineering knowledge and abilities.

The role is integral to the Bridges team, which forms part of the Highways and Transportation service. We are responsible for the management, maintenance, and design of over 4,000 highway structures, which include road and footbridges, culverts, subways and retaining walls.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Adam Neve, Principle Engineer, Bridges Section Asset Delivery Team. Call 0113 37 89818 or email adam.neve@leeds.gov.uk.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is ranked 70 on the Stonewall Equality Index 2023. We are also an age-friendly employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
 
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job description

Job Purpose: 

To undertake activities relating to the inspection, management, maintenance, assessment, design and construction of highway bridges and structures within a team of professional and technical staff and become familiar with the latest techniques and standards in Civil Engineering. 

The post holder will be able to progress through the specified grades as experience, qualification and knowledge is gained. Support, guidance and training will be given to the post holder to assist in effective delivery of the responsibilities. 

The job description summarises the work content and nature of the post and its role in the organisation. It does not specify every aspect of the job in detail and broad headings covering only the primary responsibilities of the post have been used. It is implicit that all the usual associated routines and duties are included and that staff will work flexibly. 

Responsibilities: 

Support the provision of a high quality and cost-effective engineering consultancy service for highway bridges and structures. 

Develop familiarity with appropriate standards, specifications, codes of practice and manuals in specialist aspects of bridge engineering. 

Manage a defined activity or a small range of activities in accordance with legislation and to the appropriate local, national and corporate standards, policies and practices. 

Work closely with Clients, Consultants, Contractors and Developers in all aspects of delivering structural assessments, investigations, solutions and works. 

Liaise with all stakeholders with regard to implementation of site exploration works. 

Liaising closely with colleagues in all areas of the department to secure the delivery of satisfactory services to Members, citizens and developers. 

Provide technical review of reports from third parties on behalf of Highways, Planning and other client departments as required. 

Supervise site procedures and the Minor Works Term Contract. 

Independently supervise investigations and prepare reports. 

Develop knowledge, skills and experience to become a professional engineer (CEng/IEng). 

Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure efficient service delivery, continuous improvement and corporate objectives. 

Provide technical support to the processes and procedures operated within the Bridges Section. 

Support the development of partnership working. 

Undertake the role of the Engineer’s Representative on small sites or Deputy Engineer’s Representative on major projects. 

Complete work to programme, working within a team as necessary. 

To comply with the accountability of the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with the Department Health and Safety Policy. 

Develop knowledge, skills and experience of carrying out the statutory duty and roles required under the Construction Design Management Regulations (2015). 

To give advice and mentor junior members of staff where required. 

Liaison and joint working with other teams, departments, Authorities, public bodies and private organisations. 

Keeping abreast of changes in legislation, policy and procedures, ensuring such changes are taken into account in all matters dealt with.  

The Directorate operates a Staff Appraisal and Development Scheme which includes individual Action Plans and a collective Training Plan. You will be expected to participate actively and responsibly in the agreement of a Personal Action Plan and in meeting its agreed aim and targets. 

Comply with the Council Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and Contract Procedures Rules. 

To abide by the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council. 

To abide by the Council’s No Smoking Policy. 

To undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post. 

To participate in appraisal, training and development activities as necessary to ensure up to date knowledge and skills 

To improve own practice through observation, evaluation, discussion with colleagues and appropriate CPD programmes. 

To work collaboratively with colleagues, knowing when to seek help and advice. 

Contribute to the overall ethos, work, and aims of the service by attending relevant meetings, training days/events as requested. 

Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures e.g. child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person 

Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding and promoting the values, standards and equal opportunities of Leeds City Council.  

Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation and any form of abuse of equal opportunities, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures. 

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post. 

The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and this role will be expected to work within these parameters. 

Qualifications 

The minimum academic qualification for the post of Graduate Bridge Engineer is a Level 6 Degree in a relevant discipline such as Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. 

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION  

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements. 

Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview, and Certificate. 

C3 

• Ability to keep accurate records. 
• Ability to communicate effectively. 
• Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills. 
• Ability to work to high standards. 
• Ability to act on own initiative. 
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation and determination. 
• Ability to work in difficult terrain. 
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, plans and maps. 
• Ability to work on your own as well as to work effectively as part of a team. 
• Demonstrable ability through qualification and/or relevant technical experience to become a successful bridge engineer. 
• Training/development and supervision of trainees and apprentices including allocation of work as required. 
• Working knowledge and technical principles in the relevant discipline. 
• Working knowledge of project management techniques. 
• Working knowledge of Health, Safety and Welfare and CDM Responsibilities. 
• Excellent analytical and technical knowledge. 
• Ability to produce quality documentation including technical reports. 
• Working knowledge of 2D and/or 3D modelling/drawing packages. 
• Working knowledge of relevant structural analysis software and standards. 
• Experience of using IT packages. 
• Experience of using drawing and structural analysis software 
• Experience of working as part of a team. 

SO1 

In addition of C3 essential requirements: 

• Ability to apply knowledge of engineering principles. 
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations. 
• Ability to prepare technical documents and drawings for checking and approval. 
• Ability to analyse and interpret data from a variety of sources, providing information as required and utilising results to influence the design, development and implementation of relevant schemes. 
• Knowledge of the role, functions and responsibility of a Local Authority. 
• Possess knowledge of structural issues and their investigation and solutions. 
• Experience of report writing. 
• Experience of dealing with members of the public. 

SO2 

In addition of SO1 essential requirements: 

• Ability to provide independent professional advice, guidance and information in relation to the relevant area of specialism, and ensuring works are carried out in accordance with legislation, policies, procedures and plans. 
• Ability to provide appropriate solutions to complex problems, provide cost estimates and prepare relevant implementation schedules, and ensuring works are completed fully and in a timely manner. 
• Liaise, negotiate, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders including managers, employees, councillors, members of the public and partnership agencies, dealing with enquiries as required. 
• Ability to check and/ or approve technical documents and drawings. 
• Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the functions within Local Government. 
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of maintenance, repair, assessment, design and treatment processes. 
• Detailed knowledge on the use of structural analysis software and standards. 
• Exercise independent engineering judgement and provide innovative solutions to engineering problems. 
• Experience of undertaking and leading design or assessment schemes. 
• Experience of developing structural solutions. 

C3/SO1/SO2 

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct. 
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon 
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies. 
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies. 
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.  
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.  
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities. 
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures. 
• Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.  
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person. 
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters. 

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: 

C3 

• Ability to apply knowledge of engineering principles. 
• Ability to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations. 
• Ability to undertake assessments, designing and developing solutions to relevant engineering issues. 
• Awareness of Building Information Modelling (BIM). 
• Knowledge and understanding of maintenance, repair, design and treatment processes. 
• Detailed knowledge on the use of drawing and analytical software. 
• Experience of report writing. 
• Experience of dealing with members of the public. 
• Experience of undertaking designs or assessments. 
• Experience of developing structural solutions. 

SO1 

• Ability to monitor cost/spend against budgets. 
• Ability to contribute to technical excellence and innovation across the team. 
• Ability to assist in the development of other team members. 
• Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the functions within Local Government. 
• Have a sound knowledge to undertake contract management and supervision of relevant procured works, ensuring specifications, standing orders, procedural manuals, timescales and financial targets are met. 
• Knowledge to provide cost estimates for complete designs and monitor spend against service budgets. 
• Experience of managing delivery of small projects or a small programme of work with minimal supervision. 
• Able to work under own initiative and to seek advice when necessary, you will have the drive and determination to meet targets. 

SO2 

• Ability to undertake proactive programme identification, prioritisation and treatment design and selection and to ensuring that all necessary approvals, including financial approvals, are in place before work commences. 
• Ability to prepare and deliver reports, presentations and statutory government returns, ensuring they are suitable for particular audiences. 
• Ability to manage delivery of small projects or a small programme of work with minimal supervision. 
• Ability to act as competent bridge engineer. 
• Develop and maintain knowledge of local and national regulations, policies and procedures and wider developments, which have implications for service delivery, to satisfy internal and external demands. 
• Exercise independent engineering judgement and provide innovative solutions to engineering problems. 
• Experience of leading designs or assessments. 
• Experience of undertake site visits and surveys to undertake feasibility investigations into complex schemes.