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 and Water Management Officer to play a vital role in ensuring flood risk is managed for the residents and businesses of Milton Keynes.
You’ll do this through undertaking tasks linked to our statutory functions. This includes providing statutory responses to planning applications 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
- Coordinate Lead Local Flood Authority’s (LLFA’s) role as a statutory consultee to the planning department; developing long term policy and procedures for the assessment and adoption of sustainable drainage systems ensuring that LLFA provides technical advice in a timely and accurate fashion to allow planning applications to be determined in accordance with government targets.
- Identify and secure funding available to the city council including opportunities for partnership bids and joint funding with external organisations.
- Assist in developing and implementing flood management feasibility studies, schemes and projects which aid the reduction of flood risk across the city including managing external consultants where required.
- Maintain a hone effective working partnership with Environment Agency, Internal Drainage Board, Anglian Water, Parks Trust, National Highways and any other relevant authorities to secure a collaborative strategic an integrated approach to flood risk management in the City of Milton Keynes.
- Assist in investigating and coordinating flood risk investigations and report writing including management of external consultants where required, this will include undertaking site visits.
- Contribute technical advice and knowledge to the production and review of other Council’s documents which incorporate flood and water management elements including statutory development plan and any other planning policy documents.
- Work effectively with other departments and directorates of the Milton Keynes City Council to ensure flood water management is considered in their work e.g., Highways, Emergency Planning, Landscaping and Estates.
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 or town planning.
- Experience in a relevant field and detailed working knowledge of flood and water management such as national and local planning policy, an understanding of sustainable drainage systems (SuDs) and knowledge and understanding of funding sources for flood risk management.
- An excellent understanding of flood and water management Act 2010 and Land and Drainage act 1991.
- Ability to understand analyse and interpret often complex, technical data and reports.
- Able to prioritise own workload to meet deadlines and be able to work well under pressure.
- The ability to communicate effectively and concisely both verbally and in writing.
- For this role you are required to have a full UK driving licence and provide evidence of your vehicle insurance with business use and use of a car. 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.
