Job Title: Senior Engineer – Projects and Programmes – Flood and Climate Resilience Management
Salary: PO3 £42,839 - £46,142
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Offices across the city including Merrion House, with some work from home.
Could you make a difference to the future of our city?
The impacts of a changing climate are challenging for countries and cities across the world. The Flood & Climate Resilience Management (FCRM) team here in Leeds is doing innovative and important work to make Leeds a more climate resilient city. If you’re motivated to help protect Leeds from the impacts of climate change both now and in the future, we’d love for you to join us.
Following the completion of one of the largest and most innovative flood schemes in the country this year, we are seeking to recruit to a number of roles across our team, and we have opportunities at a range of grades and in different specialist areas. Although traditionally flood risk management is a civil engineering discipline, our FCRM team here in Leeds is looking for a diverse group of people that can bring skills and experience from a broad range of disciplines, such as (but not limited to) geography, project management, infrastructure operation and maintenance, data management, and environmental management.
To find out more about some of our ongoing and completed schemes visit:
To watch videos on the impact of our schemes and what it’s like to work in the FCRM team visit: Leeds Flood and Climate Resilience Team Impacts and Projects
Leeds is a growing, vibrant and diverse city, and Leeds City Council is the second largest local authority in England, as well as being an inclusive, modern and flexible employer. We are also one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
To see what roles we have available, please click here. Please also note that we are conducting a coordinated recruitment campaign and may consider candidates for a number of roles.
About you
As a Senior Engineer Projects and Programmes in Flood & Climate Resilience Management, you will bring to the role:
1. Knowledge and experience of flood risk and drainage design and experience of delivering flood risk schemes
2. Experience in delivering Natural Flood Management, Blue Green infrastructure and Property Flood Resilience would be of particular interest.
3. The ability to communicate key issues clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally and the ability to resolve conflict.
4. The ability to monitor and coach more junior members of staff.
5. The ability to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of schemes and adapting to changing circumstances and priorities.
About the role
As a Senior Engineer in Projects & Programmes, Flood Risk Management, you’ll thrive on the diverse and challenging workload which flooding represents, both now and into the future as the impacts of climate change become apparent.
It’s not just about building traditional flood alleviation schemes. It is about seeking innovative and sustainable solutions as part of development proposals to mimic natural processes and reduce flood risk. Schemes that you could be working on might include the creation of embankments and new reservoirs but could also mean delivering Natural Flood Management (NFM) schemes and blue/green infrastructure schemes as we seek innovative solutions to develop integrated water management catchment solutions. This is an exciting time to get involved in developing schemes for the new national capital programme announced by the government, commencing in April 2026.
As a Senior Engineer Projects and Programmes in Flood & Climate Resilience Management, you will be involved in:
6. Project Management of a wide variety of flood alleviation schemes, ranging from traditional hard engineering, natural flood management, blue-green infrastructure and property flood resilience.
7. Developing schemes from feasibility studies, through the business case stages, through to construction and evaluation.
8. Engagement with councillors and the public regarding flood schemes, conveying technical information to a non-technical audience.
9. Working with partners such as the Environment Agency & Yorkshire Water to collaborate on schemes and make bids for funding.
10. Providing technical support and mentoring to other team members within projects and programmes and across the wider FRM team.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
11. a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
12. membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
13. flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
14. a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
15. a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Complete the online application form.
Upload your CV and complete a personal statement of no more than 500 words.
Read our guidance for further advice on completing your application.
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
Job Description
Job purpose
To work as a Senior Member of the Flood Risk Management (Strategy and New Works) Team, to engage in all works to reduce flood risk in Leeds, project manager the delivery of flood risk schemes and undertake other activities as required and supervise the work of other staff within the Strategy and New Works team.
16. Manage a small group of staff in respect to the operation of the FRM Strategy and New Works Section.
17. To motivate and coach staff to achieve Corporate Plan, Service Plan and Divisional Plan Objectives.
18. Supervision, appraisals and support for members of the team
19. Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement areas, focusing on equality of outcome.
20. Represent the Service, the Department and the Council as a Senior Officer at various meetings.
21. Good awareness of Health and Safety legislation.
22. Undertaking other duties of a similar nature and responsibility as may be determined.
23. To abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
24. It should be noted that this job description is subject to occasional changes in response to organisation change/review or to assist flexibility. The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list. Other duties may be undertaken which are commensurate with the grade and within the spirit of the post as specified by the Manager after consultation with staff concerned/trade unions.
Responsibilities
Principal Responsibilities
25. Project manage the feasibility, construction and delivery of flood risk schemes, through procurement of specialist expertise, suppliers and contractors.
26. Represent the interests of the Flood Risk Management and the Strategy and New Works team within the context of the wider aims of Leeds City Council.
27. Be a visible and enthusiastic team member, fostering good working relationships and encouraging partnership working across Leeds City Council and external partners.
28. Provide advice to other sections of the council on flooding and drainage.
29. Awareness of various hydrological and hydraulic modelling methods and associated surface water drainage designs.
30. Assist the wider team in the management and supervision of members of staff and the supply chain.
31. Demonstrate commitment to corporate processes and be motivated to achieve Corporate Plan, Service Plan and Divisional Plan objectives of the Council in particular the three pillars of (Health, Inclusive Growth, Climate Emergency)
32. Promote and deliver positive solutions to achieving diversity and equality in all aspects of service delivery, community engagement areas, focusing on equality of outcome and to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
33. Represent the Service, the Department and the Council as a senior officer for matters relating to the management, inspection, operation and maintenance of flood risk management assets.
34. Continually develop and maintain specialist knowledge of contemporary issues associated with the preparation and delivery and management of flood risk management assets and schemes.
35. Undertake the role of Supervisor on heavy maintenance and construction contracts when required.
36. Actively support continuous improvement initiatives through contributing to cross Council schemes and supporting the Flood Risk Management Team.
Specific Responsibilities
37. Ensure that all work is produced in accordance with legislation and to the appropriate local, national, and corporate standards, policies and practices.
38. Assist in the development of partnership working.
39. Continually develop and maintain specialist knowledge of contemporary issues associated with the preparation and delivery and management of flood risk management assets and schemes.
40. Actively support continuous improvement initiatives through contributing to cross Council schemes and supporting the Flood Risk Management Team.
41. Supporting Strategy and New Works team and Flood Risk Management in general in promoting and improving Drainage and Flood Risk with Leeds.
42. Attending internal Strategy and New Works team and Flood Risk Management meetings and weekly 1-2- 1 meetings as required.
43. Dealing with councillor enquiries regarding flood risk scheme issues related to developments and other general drainage issues.
44. Providing technical support to Group and Principal Engineer in relation to the Strategy and New Works Programme and Schemes.
45. Undertaking Flood Risk Scheme and Strategy related special tasks and reports as allocated by Principal Engineer.
46. Mentoring junior members in relation to drainage and flood risk elements.
47. Deputising for Principle and Group Engineer where required. Awareness of various hydrological and hydraulic modelling methods and associated surface water drainage designs.
Qualifications
HNC/HND or similar relevant qualification or can demonstrate relevant experience at a senior level.
Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.
48. Ability to work as an effective member of a team in order to achieve positive outcomes and provide a flexible and responsive service.
49. Proactive approach to problem solving and contributing during meetings and interviews.
50. Commitment to continued professional development.
51. To provide and participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
52. Ability to monitor and coach more junior members of staff.
53. Achievement of equal opportunities in both employment and service delivery.
54. An understanding of and commitment to sustainability in service delivery.
55. Ability to contribute to initiatives to improve standards and performance.
56. Ability to take forward initiatives and policies from development to implementation
57. Support the development of policies to ensure efficient service delivery, continuous improvement and corporate objectives.
58. Appreciation of the public sector and its relationship with the private and third sectors.
59. Ability to interpret corporate vision and values and put into practice through agreed policies and strategies.
60. Ability to communicate key issues clearly and succinctly both in writing and verbally
61. Experience of working within the requirements of the CDM regulations, H&S and environmental legislation.
62. An understanding of working within the framework of highway and flood risk management legislation and statutory procedures.
63. Must be able to work with minimal supervision to manage competing priorities whilst delivering on a range of schemes and adapting to changing and challenging circumstances and priorities.
64. Minimum 3 years relevant experience in the delivery, management, inspection, operation and maintenance of flood risk management or related assets.
Knowledge Required
65. Maintaining a professional interest and keeping abreast of current changes in National Planning Policy and developments in Drainage and Flood Risk matters.
66. Maintain good awareness of key planning and drainage legislation and Health and Safety legislation, as it applies to the work of the team and support and assist in the development of related policies.
67. Understanding of and be able to support the implementation of new technology
68. Understanding of managers’ responsibility for health and safety, equality and diversity and wellbeing.
69. Understanding of project management techniques such as risk assessments and spreadsheets.
Experience Required
70. Experience of successful team working and management including coaching, mentoring and developing staff
71. Experience in an element of the feasibility, planning, delivery or maintenance of flood risk projects.
72. Minimum 3 years relevant experience in the delivery, management, inspection, operation and maintenance of flood risk management or related assets.
Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics
73. Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
74. Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
75. Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
76. Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
77. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
78. Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
79. Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
80. Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
81. Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
82. Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
83. The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
84. Take ownership of own personal development.
85. Understand how to inspire and motivate others.
86. Customer driven.
87. Demonstrate a positive attitude.
Desirable requirements It is desirable that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post. Candidates are not required to meet all the desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between candidates.
Skills Required
88. Possess a current driving licence
89. Ability to work on own initiative.
90. Ability to work to deadlines.
91. Ability to resolve conflict.
92. Awareness of public sector issues.
93. Ability to develop and contribute to partnerships involving various stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
94. Ability to develop productive working relationships that command respect, trust and confidence
95. Ability to be practical and hands on where and when necessary.
Knowledge Required
96. Of Computerised systems.
97. Of the problems of disadvantaged groups.
98. Of the work of the department.
Experience Required
99. Of working effectively with others to deliver schemes and investigations.
100. Of an awareness of local government and experience of achieving results in a politically sensitive context.
101. Of setting and working to quality standards.
102. Of managing conflicting demands.
103. Of managing in an office environment.
Behavioural & other Characteristics required
104. Willing to abide by the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post, and as an employee of the Council.
105. Willing to take personal responsibility under and abide by the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
106. Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up to date knowledge and skills.
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