Property

“Providing the technology, skills and expertise needed to keep our vast and varied estate running”

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Working on the ground Property services

Almost 100 talented, committed people – working on the ground, all over the county – make up our Corporate Property Group. We provide office and service delivery accommodation to every department within Somerset County Council. Think school buildings, libraries, offices, and even the kitchen. We look after buildings to the highest standards, making sure they’re fit for purpose and fit for the people.

We have all the technology, skills and expertise needed to keep a vast and varied estate running – and all under one roof. From building new schools to land negotiations to fixing a dripping tap, the range of proactive and reactive work we carry out surprises many. From surveyors to construction professionals, facilities experts to talented tradespeople, working closely with community groups, national construction firms and global tech giants, we pull together to make buildings and places better for people. And there’s a satisfying richness that comes from all these different relationships and interactions, which goes to make working here so rewarding

Working countywide Supporting Somerset

Now, the scale of what we do might surprise you. Take the work of our Major Projects team. They’re currently constructing Polden Bower school, a special school with state-of-the-art facilities in Bridgwater. Worth £21million, it’s the largest project we’re managing. But it’s just one project. One of many.

The work we do is hugely varied – and so are the skills and experience that we need. Some jobs, like Health & Safety or Compliance, demand specialist technical know-how. Others call for a strong commercial or entrepreneurial focus. But everyone here is driven by a passion to serve the public effectively. And everyone here takes real professional pride in what they do – and is always looking to do things better. That’s why we’re committed to helping you build a personally and professionally rewarding career.

Meet some of our team

Siobhan Galloway, Area Building Services Engineer

“I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved in some really interesting projects, from how the County Hall campus would be refurbished, to getting a new heating system and boilers for a chilly primary school when theirs packed up! Two very different projects but both massively rewarding.

The training I’ve received here hasn’t just boosted my professional abilities; it’s really boosted my confidence. And I’ve been able to move through different roles in the council. Which means I’ve gained more and more experience, without ever having to leave.

Fair, flexible and inclusive. That’s how I’d describe the culture and management here. Having left to have my child, I’ve been able to come straight back and pick up my career where I left off. That doesn’t happen everywhere. “

Meet some of our team

Naomi Chetter, Area Building Surveyor

“I really like the fact that, by looking after our school buildings, I’m making a difference to places which benefit others in Somerset.

I was involved in a major refurbishment project to replace the external cladding and windows at one of my schools. When we’d finished at the end of the summer holidays, the returning teachers, pupils and parents remarked that it felt like they were coming back to a brand-new school!

The team I work with is really supportive and we’ve a great working relationship. There’s always a colleague willing to help if you need a bit of extra advice. I’ve also been on formal and informal training to support me in my role – and to help me further develop my organisational and time management skills.”

Get in touch

We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you've got any questions about the opportunities that we have available in Property, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or even during the application process), please get in touch with us.

Email the team

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"The council is full of supportive colleagues who encourage you to try your best. I really enjoyed building close working relationships with colleagues across the council. They’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and every colleague's skillset and background is valued."

"The council offer flexible working and really trust their colleagues to work from home. Management is supportive and avoids resorting to without micro-managing. There are opportunities to develop with managers keen to support your career progression."

"Supportive and inclusive employer. Working here is immensely rewarding, knowing you have helped so many people. The way SCC has dealt with the challenges presented by Covid, and the support it has given the community, makes me feel proud to be part of the organisation"

"Salaries aren't as high as private sector, but the great benefits package does make up for that. The council offer flexible working and lots of opportunity to build a long-term career in an ever changing government organisation. If you like the challenge of continuous change, this could be the place for you."

"If feel that my work for the council is hugely valuable. That I am supporting some incredibly important services. The organisation is forward-thinking in terms of ways of working, offering good technology and working-from-home benefits, all underpinned by an understanding management culture."

"The council is a good place to work if you want to work part time. You have access to ongoing learning. Management on the whole is good. Everyone works very hard, focused on doing something worthwhile and helping professionals, and keen to demonstrate that they are offering good value for money."

"Working for the council is challenging and stimulating. Social Care is difficult but rewarding when the quality of the service can be maintained. There is a genuine culture of reward for hard work. Social Care is a changing and evolving service, and the council has a dynamic reputation."

"Supportive work environment and colleagues. Over the last 12 years I have worked with a variety of brilliant teams, each time developing new skills and gaining experience. SCC has adapted well to remote working during the pandemic with staff wellbeing at the top of the agenda."