Job Introduction
Since it was first built in the 1960s, Milton Keynes has uniquely placed water management at the forefront of its design. A series of balancing lakes and linear parks throughout the city help control water and ensure it’s managed sustainably. Today, sustainability is more important than ever and we’re expanding our Flood and Water Management team.
We’re hiring a Flood Resilience and Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) Officer to play a vital role in ensuring flood risk is managed for the residents and businesses of Milton Keynes. You’ll do this by providing responses to planning applications, undertaking enforcement action and supporting the delivery of projects.
We particularly welcome applications with skills in GIS/data management, flood investigations, land drainage enforcement or community flood resilience and engagement. The role is based primarily at our city centre offices, but some travel will be required across the city. An in-depth training and induction programme will be provided.
Main Responsibility
Ensure correspondence received by the Flood and Water Management team is dealt with in a timely and effective manner and all appropriate records are kept up to date. Work with other officers to develop knowledge of surface water drainage matters and ultimately assist with the review of planning applications and preparation of consultation responses. Work with local communities to help them prepare for and respond to flooding. Support with organising meetings, set agendas, and report writing. Communicate flood risk and drainage issues effectively with various customers, ensuring any enquiries are responded to fully in a timely manner and undertake enforcement action where needed in line with the Land Drainage Act 1991. Assist in developing and implementing flood management schemes and identifying partnership funding, projects and studies, which aid the reduction of flood risk across Milton Keynes. Following a flood events, assist with coordinating flood risk investigations under Section 19 Of the Flood and Water Management Act (2010). Support the Flood and Water Management team in undertaking duties that the team has as the Lead Local Flood Authority under Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
The Ideal Candidate
A relevant degree and/or equivalent level of professional qualification in a relevant subject e.g. geography, flood risk management, civil engineering, town planning.
An understanding of Flood and Water Management related legislation and policy e.g. Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and Land Drainage Act 1991, National Planning Policy Framework. Ability to understand, analyse and interpret often complex, technical data and reports.
Ability to prioritise own workload to meet deadlines and be able to work well under pressure.
Effective communication skills. Desire to learn new skills across the breadth of flood and water management.
Flexibility to work in different locations and undertake site visits with Civic being main base.
For this role you are required to have a Full UK Driving Licence and provide evidence of your Vehicle Insurance with Business cover and use of a vehicle . If you are successful, you will be required to supply evidence of your Licence prior to starting the role
Package Description
In addition to your salary, we offer a range of benefits including:
- Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
- Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
- A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
- Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
- Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.
Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.
About The Organisation
Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live.
We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference.
We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative.
We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.
If you’d like to know more about how we do things and what matters to us, take a look at our short booklet What makes us Milton Keynes City Council.
