Project Engineer

Our vision and mission have never been more relevant going forward, especially with the onset of climate change. Across the Lincolnshire district we are working in partnership with investment and action on Flood Risk management.

We are working together to make a real difference – protecting land, critical infrastructure, commercial and residential property from flooding and ensure good land drainage ensuring everyone can enjoy their lives free from flooding.

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the commitment and dedication of our team, colleagues and partners.

We are proud of our energised, friendly and motivated workforce.

Join Witham and Humber Drainage Boards’ today and help us get things done, together!

About Us

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Operations Engineer to join the Engineering Team at Witham and Humber Group of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs).

The Boards’ primary role is to provide front line drainage and flood protection service within their districts and the Greater Lincolnshire community. The Boards protect land, critical infrastructure, commercial and residential property from flooding and ensure good land drainage. Much of this work involves the maintenance and improvement of watercourses and related infrastructure.  The Boards supervise all matters relating to water level management within their district whilst supporting and promoting sustainability, ecological wellbeing and improvement of the environment, agriculture, industry and commercial assets.

The 4 Boards, (Witham First District, Witham Third District, Upper Witham and North East Lindsey Internal Drainage Boards) operate as a collective group known as the Witham and Humber Drainage Boards. They maintain over 1000km of watercourses and 56 pumping stations between them, as well as many smaller water level management structures within their drainage districts (e.g., weirs, penstocks and other control structures).

In addition to the shared administration, financial, managerial and technical support, 3 of the 4 Boards also provide a consenting and enforcement service to the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) in Lincolnshire since April 2012, in their extended hydraulic catchments.

The Boards are committed to providing and promoting consistent and high standards of service, through the employment of highly skilled flood risk management professionals who demonstrate commitment and provide high quality services. Strong and consistent relationships between employees, built on mutual respect, are fundamental to the on-going success of the Boards. 

Our achievements as smaller Public Bodies are a direct reflection of the effort, commitment, knowledge and skill of our people. A key part of this role is to contribute to the growth and development of the Boards’ actively and positively, your colleagues, members and resources. To promote and raise the profile of land drainage and flood protection externally to the Boards.

About the role 

As the Operations Engineer, you will report to the Director of Engineering and Technical Services. As operations engineer your primary role is to provide Engineering technical and design support to all operations of the 4 Boards in a wide variety of forms and scenarios. managing technical programme of works.

You will provide technical guidance to the 4 Boards’, leading the projects in creating sustainable structures. Respond to Technical enquiries relating to the operation and maintenance of the Boards maintain systems & infrastructure. You will build and manage internal and external relationships with key people such as contractors, local authorities, professional bodies and the general public.

You will also provide technical advice and comment with responses to planning applications that have the potential to affect the Boards operations within their districts and respond to enquiries from professional partners and members of the public.

To lead on the development of improvement and attenuation schemes across the Witham and Humber district.  To undertake catchments studies, refurbishment of existing structures, re-profiling of existing structures.  You will be responsible for the Surveying, preparation, design and drawing, along with finance, delivery and site management.

To implement, promote, maintain and project manage land drainage improvements across the Witham and Humber IDB’S (Grant in aid funded, Multi agency, and Internal

To be an advocate for the Boards and to promote the aims of the organisation is an essential part of the post.  Communication, work with, inform and provide information to others outside the organisation, such as our customers, consultants, auditors, partner organisations, external stakeholders as well as external funders and professional partners.

To assist and advise with planning application responses and comments to LPA – including technical discussions with those proposing developments

Support the Boards Emergency Planning, ensure sound design, manage, implement and action emergency plan and procedures. Produce and update Board Emergency Procedure Plan.

Partnership working with emergency response authorises and groups through Lincolnshire Resilience Forum (LRF)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead on the design, production review and approval of engineering drawings and technical outputs
• Lead on the delivery of projects, prepare bids, allocate resources, manage risks, coordinate work and ensure delivery to programme management and budget.
• Provide technical assurance and expertise to colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
• Manage design risks and ensure the team complies with the requirements of CDM 2015
• Project management of Flood Defence Grant in Aid funded projects in partnership with the Environment Agency.
• Asset Management – inspection, records, reporting, work programmes
• Attend & support Flood Risk & Drainage Groups
• Develop partnerships/liaise & communicate with other local FRMA’s
• Produce Board Reports – planning, engineering,
• Manage & negotiate commuted sums and the adoption of system/structures from third parties
• Create a collaborative, supportive and inclusive environment which prioritises colleagues’ mental and physical wellbeing

You will seek to ensure that the management of the drainage and water level management network is not compromised by development or changes in land use.

Protect the Boards interests and manage their assets, ensuring Inspections, Survey (post holder, other officers, third party contract) and management of third parties to undertake work. Maintain records and work programming data.  Ensure all areas are efficient, methodical and accurate in order to develop, manage and maintain excellent systems and processes

This post is pivotal to the smooth functioning of the Engineering and Technical Services within all 4 Boards. This post will offer direct support to the Director of Engineering and Technical Services and Operations Director, working closely with the Head of Engineering Services, Enforcement Officer, Environment and GIS Officer, whilst working as part of a wider team across the districts to deliver organisational objectives.

We do not expect anyone to be an expert in all these areas and, as long as you meet the person specification, we can support and train you in any gaps.

About you

An experienced engineer who is passionate about sustainability, you will ensure the delivery of high-profile projects for sustainable flood protection across Witham and Humber Drainage Boards District. You are an Incorporated Engineer or equivalent.  If not already at Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status, consideration will be made if you are able to demonstrate knowledge and experience and willingness to work towards this and we will support you as required.

You should be a proven leader, with demonstrable experience in motivating and managing a multidisciplinary team; ensuring all regulations are adhered to and best practise is followed at all times.

You may have experience of working within the flood risk management industry or local government technical departments, working with local representatives and in partnership with their professional partners.

You will build relationships with ease, allowing you to communicate effectively with you immediate Operations and Engineering team along with a wide range of people, from senior leaders and local authority partners to community engagement groups.

You may also already be a Member of Institution of Civil Engineers as a Chartered or Incorporated Engineer or be similarly qualified.

What we offer

In return, we can offer ongoing hybrid working and office hub, a flexible, supportive and rewarding working environment.

Wellbeing

• Annual leave entitlement starting at 23 days and rising to 27 days over a five-year period. 
• Bank Holiday entitlement is in addition as is a locally agreed 3 extra statutory annual leave days. 
• A great benefit is the compressed hours of 37 hour working week, delivered over a 74-hour, 9 day working fortnight.
• The Boards' also offer Hybrid working, between office and home.

Financial

• The appointment offers a competitive annual salary. Grade 7 (SCP 29) £42,228.00
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme,
• Opportunity to progress and training as the Boards develop.  

Family Friendly

• Flexible Working practices
• This role is expected to develop and evolve over time. The 4 Boards provide varied opportunities for individuals to develop their professional skill sets.  Opportunities for further training will be assessed, supported and reviewed through our annual personnel development process in order to maintain excellent standards of customer service and employee job satisfaction.
• To thrive and achieve all aspects of the role, whilst working in harmony, supporting colleagues, and becoming a key member of an effective team.

Additional information

If you have the skills and experience required, please apply in writing to recruitment@witham3idb.gov.uk with your complete current CV, covering letter and any supporting documentation indicating the reasons why you are interested in the position.

For more information about Witham and Humber Drainage Boards please visit our website www.witham3idb.gov.uk

Fluency in reading, writing and spoken English is mandatory for this position.

Witham and Humber drainage Boards’ are unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.

PLEASE QUOTE REF: 022 Operations Engineer in the subject bar of your email

We look forward to receiving your application.