Location
Harlow

Hours
37.5 hours per week (with the option to bank up to 30 minutes per week to be used towards the shut down between Christmas and New Year)

Salary
£41,771 per annum

About the Role
Harlow is undergoing a major transformation, guided by six key missions including Transforming Housing, Renewing Neighbourhoods, Rebuilding the Town, Securing Investment, Protecting Communities, and Delivering High Performing Council Services. The town’s distinctive landscape features Green Wedges that contain numerous watercourses and drainage infrastructure requiring regular maintenance, enhancements, and improvements to support these missions.

As a Watercourse and Drainage Engineer, you will apply your experience and knowledge of land drainage legislation and practical management of watercourses such as ditches, ponds, and rivers. You will develop a Watercourse Maintenance Policy to establish effective management processes and practices. Additionally, you will identify and record information on watercourses to support the development and delivery of a comprehensive programme of works.

Strong communication skills are essential as you will engage with colleagues across the Environment service, council members, contractors, and the public to achieve positive outcomes in sometimes sensitive and contentious situations. Your technical expertise will include designing drainage repairs and improvements, bank stability measures, water control methods, and familiarity with surveying, civils equipment, and machinery necessary for maintenance and repair of watercourses.

The Council supports a positive work/life balance with a hybrid working model requiring attendance at the contractual workplace at least four days per week (pro rata for part-time). Benefits include a 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 who meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.

Experience
Proven experience and knowledge of land drainage legislation and practical management of watercourses including ditches, ponds, and rivers.
Technical background with extensive knowledge of drainage design, bank stability measures, water control methods, and associated surveying and civils equipment.

About you
Excellent communication and negotiation skills to engage effectively with internal teams, council members, contractors, and the public.
Ability to manage sensitive and sometimes contentious situations professionally.
Motivated to contribute to the renewal and protection of local neighbourhoods and communities.

Qualifications
Relevant technical qualifications or equivalent experience in watercourse and drainage engineering or related disciplines.
Local Government employees are encouraged to apply, including secondments.