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This role has a starting salary of £34,356 per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.
Help make Surrey a greener place to live.
Are you looking for an opportunity to shape local development, improve our environment and reduce Flood Risk?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two Senior Flood Risk and Climate Resilience Officers to join our team at Surrey County Council. Surrey County Council is the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) for the county of Surrey. As LLFA we have the responsibility of managing the risk of flooding from ordinary watercourses, surface water and groundwater. We do this in partnership with other Risk Management Authorities such as the Environment Agency, Water Companies, as well as Borough and District Councils.
Rewards and Benefits
- 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
- 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Team
The Flood Risk Planning and Consenting Team act as statutory planning consultees for surface water drainage on all major planning applications and carry out our role as regulatory authority for works affecting ordinary watercourses. The team provides advice on over 1200 proposed major developments per year, as well as providing pre-application advice and support on planning policy. It's a busy, friendly and active team; we can often be found out for a collective walk or volunteering to plant trees.
We are passionate advocates for Sustainable Drainage (SuDS), climate change action and green infrastructure, and seek to enhance development in the county so that it provides better water quality, amenity and biodiversity benefits, as well as reducing Flood Risk.
About the Role
This role will include assessing the drainage implications of planning applications as a consultee. This involves liaising with the Local Planning Authorities and Applicants to ensure the maximum benefits of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are incorporated into new development. This forms part of our approach to improving Flood Risk and resilience against climate change as well as improving place and biodiversity across Surrey.
To help us achieve our goals we are looking for an officer to work within the team to:
- Assess planning applications against requirements for sustainable drainage within the National Planning Policy Framework and Technical Standards
- Provide advice to Local Planning Authority consultations and developers on drainage schemes
- Carry out assessments of Ordinary Watercourse consent applications
- Investigate and answer customer Flood Risk enquiries
You will need to manage your own workload effectively to meet tight deadlines while being a part of a dynamic and busy team. As well as this, you must be a confident communicator and negotiator, capable of explaining technical information clearly and sensitively. In addition, you will be confident using IT systems with experience of using spreadsheets and GIS.
Shortlisting Criteria
As part of the application process, you will be asked to answer the following questions along with uploading your CV:
- What are your motivations for applying?
- What knowledge do you have of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and the Town and Country Planning processes?
- Please tell us about, and provide examples of, your experience creating, reviewing and influencing plans, designs and calculations relating to drainage or engineering.
- Please tell us about, and provide examples of, your experience analysing reports or data against set criteria and providing written feedback.
- Please provide examples from your work and/or home life that evidence your ability to communicate with different stakeholders and create positive change.
We welcome applicants with transferrable skills and there will be detailed on the job and formal training opportunities for the successful candidates. We also offer opportunities for hybrid working including days working from home if desirable.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion please contact Amy Rodwell on 0300 200 1003 or by email at amy.rodwell@surreycc.gov.uk.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 08/03/2024 with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Our Values
Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also attached provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.
Our Commitment
Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:
- The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
- The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form
Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.
We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.
