Bridge Engineer (Principal Inspections)

• This role provides the opportunity for hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home, subject to managerial approval, or from one of our offices.
• 30 days' annual leave (in addition to bank holidays).
• The contract offered is permanent and full-time (37 hours per week).

Somerset Council is responsible for the management and maintenance of the County’s Highway Bridge, Culvert and retaining wall stock which stands at over 2500 structures.

This stock contains a wide variety of asset types in respect of their form, construction, material, span and location. There are a significant number of masonry arches and simply supported reinforced concrete slabs as well as retaining walls of different construction forms and, or course, large multi-span structures, all located in both rural and urban areas. The oldest asset is Tarr Steps a 17 span Clapper Bridge reportedly dating back to prehistoric times located in Exmoor. We also have a bascule bridge, canal swing bridges, footbridges, fords, railway bridges (used and disused), road bridges, tunnel, and watercourse structures in our diverse stock.  The stock continues to grow through our new highway schemes and developers’ projects.

We’re working to improve the lives of people here in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day-to-day work will primarily involve the following activity:

• Undertake detailed Principal inspections and general inspections, investigations and surveys to bridges and structures, either as a principal or in a supporting role. Collate findings and prepare inspection reports in written or electronic formats.

although it may also involve:

• Initiate, deliver and supervise routine maintenance schemes and improvement projects including budget monitoring.
• Design and/or assessments of bridges/retaining walls.
• Carrying out/assisting with inspections and reporting.
• Liaison with statutory bodes, affected parties, consultants and contractors.
• Act as point of contact for public, parish and district councils.
• Support senior members of the team with preparation of reports, schedules, calculations, costing, presentations etc.
• Assist with rationalisation of asset management data.

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, with agreement from the manager.

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:

• Have good standards of numeracy and ICT capability.
• Have a degree in a relevant discipline.
• Hold or be working towards a suitable qualification with an appropriate professional body. (Incorporated or Charter Engineer with Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE))
• A working knowledge of technical highway structure design, assessment, inspection and/or maintenance and Health and Safety in the highway/construction industry.
• Proven experience in carrying out inspections, in particular Principal Inspections in lead role is essential

We’re proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there’s anything you want to talk about before you apply.

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.

We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:

• We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

The salary for the role is Grade 10, ranging from £36,124 to £40,476 per annum.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Paul Nation (Asset Team Leader) on 07585 795 564 or email bridges@somerset.gov.uk

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can’t wait to hear from you.