Highways Safety Inspector

Job Title: Technician/Safety Inspector - Highways

Business Unit or Division: Highways

Location: Southwark

About Us:

We are a dynamic and forward-thinking organization committed to maintaining and enhancing the quality of our local environment and public spaces. Our Highways Division plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and safety of our road infrastructure. We are currently seeking a skilled and experienced individual to join our team in the position of Technician/Safety Inspector - Highways.

Job Description:

As a Technician/Safety Inspector in our Highways Division, you will contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of our services by inspecting infrastructure, supervising public realm works, and ensuring compliance with legislative and council policy requirements. The role involves a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Highways Maintenance (HM) Specific Responsibilities:

1. Inspect, monitor, record, and report on the condition of the public highway, street furniture, highway structures, drainage, street trees, and highway lighting.
2. Submit defect reports through handheld and/or desktop databases, managing work instructions to relevant service providers.
3. Respond to emergencies, coordinating the division's response, and issuing works orders to contractors in cases of emergency.
4. Record and monitor illegal or unsafe work sites, structures, overhanging vegetation, etc., and report to the appropriate manager or enforcement group.
5. Liaise with Statutory Utilities, control entry into service subways, and undertake routine maintenance inspections of subways.
6. Investigate and provide reports on incident and accident claims, representing the Council's interests in a Court of Law.

Transport Projects/Structures Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Engineer and Principal Engineer in the design and implementation of small-scale highways projects.

Common Responsibilities (HM and Transport Projects/Structures):

1. Carry out inspections of sites and contractors/service providers for compliance with Health and Safety at Work and contract specifications.
2. Provide written responses and raise work instructions for service inquiries and requests.
3. Liaise with senior officers, providing inspection findings and recommendations for inclusion in detailed written responses to stakeholders.

Other General Responsibilities:

1. Maintain and develop quality administrative systems, ensuring accurate reporting and recording systems.
2. Use data capture devices and computer-based systems for reporting on and updating asset registers, inventories, maintenance, and condition surveys.

Job Context:

1. The post is located in the Highways Division and reports to the Principal Engineer or Engineering Services Manager or Structures Manager.
2. Highways Division is part of the Council's Environment Directorate and Environment and Leisure department, acting as Highway Authority.
3. The postholder may represent the Council with external agencies and other stakeholders.
4. Occasional attendance out of normal working hours, e.g., Council meetings and site visits.
5. Management and monitoring of financial and other records.
6. No direct financial responsibility or staff management.
7. Support for the Council's diversity, Respect at work, and other people-related policies.

Person Specification:

Knowledge, including educational qualifications:

• Supervisory Accreditation under the New Roads & Streets Works Act 1991
• Strong evidence of working in a Highways/Engineering field of service delivery
• C&G 6033-03 Unit 311- Highway Safety Inspection

Experience:

• Demonstrable and relevant experience of the New Roads & Street Works Act, the Highways Act, and site supervision
• Relevant evidenced experience of defect monitoring, highway maintenance, or highway project delivery
• Understanding of concepts, practices, and principles of asset repair and maintenance
• Understanding of risk management and insurance claims procedures
• Experience of reading and interpreting site instructions, maps, and drawings
• Experience of operating Microsoft office software including Word, Excel, Outlook, and bespoke database software

Aptitudes, Skills & Competencies:

• Ability to act as a coach and mentor trainees/apprentices
• Ability to communicate operations-related information both verbally and in writing
• Ability to formulate practical solutions to problems given the constraints of the situation
• Ability to make well-reasoned decisions based on available information within given timeframes
• Numerate to a level in keeping with the tasks to be performed
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize workload to meet required deadlines
• Ability to respond to the needs of customers politely and efficiently, dealing with issues calmly and objectively
• Can use available information technology software and hardware effectively and efficiently to meet work demands

Special Conditions of Recruitment:

1. Willing to attend training courses - Statutory and CPD.
2. Able to work self-supervised.
3. Post holder may occasionally be required to work and attend meetings out of hours.
4. This post attracts essential car user status.