Are you passionate about improving the environment and addressing climate change?
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Flood Projects Officer (NFM) to lead the delivery of innovative Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects across Buckinghamshire. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver strategic flood resilience projects that benefit communities, wildlife and the wider natural environment.
This is a 12-month Secondment / Fixed-Term contract opportunity.
About us
The Climate Change and Flood Risk Management (CCFRM) Team plays a central role in delivering sustainable solutions that protect our communities and enhance our natural landscapes. Working collaboratively with internal teams, the Environment Agency, water companies and other community partners, we develop forward thinking approaches to flood risk management, climate change mitigation and adaptation. You’ll be joining a committed team that is ambitious, collaborative and proud to deliver meaningful, long‑term impacts.
The CCFRM Team manages local flood risk to ensure delivery of statutory responsibilities, associated with the Council’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). The Team is comprised of the Flood Management Team, the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Team, Project Groundwater and the Flood Capital Programme Team.
About the role
The Flood Projects Officer (NFM) manages the delivery of NFM projects, supports strategic programme development, and builds positive working relationships across all catchment partners, working closely with them to identify and secure funding for project pipelines. The Officer will lead the delivery of the Council’s strategic approach to NFM delivery and work with internal and external stakeholders (including the Environment Agency, water companies, catchment partnerships, charities, and private estates) to promote and increase the adoption of nature‑based solutions (NbS) for flood risk management.
The role is responsible for progressing flood risk management NbS projects through all life‑cycle stages, ensuring effective supplier procurement and contract management, and maintaining robust information and financial management, including securing and monitoring grant funding.
The Flood Capital Programme develops and delivers a range of flood risk mitigation schemes from the more engineered solutions such as culvert replacement, to catchment resilience options like NFM, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and property flood resilience. The Officer will also provide specialist NFM advice to internal and external teams, where required, and act as the primary point of contact for NbS within the team, including attending relevant catchment partnerships and other relevant stakeholder meetings.
The Officer will build strong working relationships across the Council to embed and promote NbS within wider initiatives, such as the tree‑planting programme, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain, the Natural Environment Partnership, and the Buckinghamshire Highways Capital Drainage Programme.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and project manage flood risk management nature‑based solution schemes, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
* Produce and maintain essential project documentation including project briefs, procurement specifications, supplier contracts, initiation documents, risk registers, and financial plans, communications and project plans.
* Support the development of a countywide strategic approach to NFM and contribute to a pipeline of future projects aligned to flood risk management and wider environmental programmes.
* Work with the Environment Agency, water companies and other internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities and develop business cases to secure funding.
* Manage procurement processes, commission contractors and consultants, and oversee contract performance.
* Monitor project budgets, report on expenditure, and escalates issues where required.
* Coordinate internal and external partners, providing specialist advice on NFM, project delivery and funding requirements.
* Lead communications for assigned projects, ensuring effective engagement with councillors, partners and local communities.
* Maintain lessons learned, ensure compliance with Health & Safety and CDM regulations, and uphold professional standards across all project work.
About you
We are looking for a candidate who will have excellent flood risk and project management experience. The ideal applicant will possess:
* Relevant experience and technical skills in NbS and project management.
* An understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Lead Local Flood Authority, with knowledge of relevant legislation and policies in flood risk management.
* A good understanding of the various flood risk mechanisms.
* An understanding of public procurement policies.
* Excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to manage and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
* An ability to represent the service area, both internally and externally.
* Strong negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
* Project management skills and experience in budget and contract management.
* An ability to provide authoritative specialist advice under pressure.
* A degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
Any Desk
As an 'any‑desk' worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office at least twice a week, depending on your role and team requirements.
The role is likely to require some days or occasional evenings out on site or in the community – for example, attending flood group meetings, flood forums or multi‑agency events.
Employment Law
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
* All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* Automatic pension enrolment
* Discounts on cafés, restaurants, shops and travel with Arriva
* Access to employee assistance programmes and wellbeing initiatives
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