Hours: Full-Time (35.75 hours per week)
Contract Basis: Permanent
The successful candidate will be one of two Principal Technicians providing support to the Principal Surveyors and will be a flexible resource for both CT & NDR workloads. The role holder will have responsibilities in relation to maintaining Council Tax List and Valuation Roll, coordinating and organising Council Tax workload.
The post is responsible for the leadership, development and setting the overall standards for the work of the Technicians and Trainee Technicians, providing an operational service across LVJB and its constituent Councils.
We are seeking suitably qualified candidates who possess either an HND or HNC (or above) in General Surveying or have completed the LVJB Trainee Technician Pathway, or have attained equivalent training, or have acquired the necessary skills and attributes from relevant work experience over a number of years. Candidates should have experience in the survey of all categories of domestic property along with a thorough knowledge and understanding of Council Tax legislation in Scotland.
Experience of collation and analysis of evidence in relation to Council Tax in accordance with statutory regulations and an understanding of the procedures in respect of the disposal of proposals and appeals for First-Tier Tribunal Service is essential. The ability to communicate effectively on behalf of the organisation at external meetings, including as an expert witness at Tribunal hearings and discussion of council tax proposals and appeals with taxpayers or their representatives and the preparation of evidence for hearing before the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland is required.
Key Duties and Activities:
• Valuation of all categories of dwelling for Council Tax purposes.
• Maintaining computer and hard copy files relating to Council Tax.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of IT programmes for Council Tax purposes.
• Analysis of sales evidence to establish Council Tax bands and values.
• Verification of new housing templates, POS cases and other workload.
• Negotiation of banding proposals and appeals with public and agents.
• Preparation of evidence for cases proceeding before the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland
• Appearing as expert witness in domestic cases proceeding before the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland.
• Carrying out reviews of bandings or re-banding exercises where inconsistencies emerge.
• Allocation of workload and tasks to ensure effective running of Council Tax.
• Responsibility for performance of Council Tax in line with agreed targets.
• Decision making and authority on Council Tax Decisions.
• Training/mentoring of Trainee Technicians.
• Supervising the training /mentoring of Trainee Valuers in domestic valuation.
• Providing support and advice to Technicians for complex Council Tax enquiries.
• Identify and provide ongoing training to the Council Tax Team.
• Undertake audit checks on Council Tax assurance reports.
• Reviewing Council Tax procedures through participation in working groups.
• In the event of a council tax revaluation the role holder will have central involvement in that statutory process.
• Provision of advice to professional staff and senior management.
• Survey of all categories of non-domestic property.
• Valuation of non-domestic property.
• Assist with the Revaluation of non-domestic property.
• Maintaining computer and hard copy records for non-domestic property.
• Negotiation of non-domestic appeals involving non-complex subjects within parameters of schemes of valuation.
• Conducting Team Briefings.
• Contribute to LVJB project groups.
• Implementing all LVJB policies relating to employees etc.
• Assisting in implementing programs of IT development.
• Lead project groups where appropriate.
• The postholder should be a member of the technical management group.
Supervision and Management of People:
There is direct line management of staff, and provide training, mentoring and guidance to the group of Technicians, Trainee Technicians and Trainee Valuers when they are undertaking council tax work. (6-15 staff per Principle Technician). They will be responsible for co-ordinating and monitoring the overall workload of a team of staff, consisting of any of the above designations.
The post holder is responsible for developing and communicating a clear vision of what is to be achieved by the Council Tax Team and encouraging and motivating individuals to contribute to the organisation’s goals to the best of their ability, creating a sense of unity and common purpose.
The post holder is required to organise and delegate work fairly, identify staff capabilities, set performance standards, identify and implement developmental activity and ensure team members have the support they need to provide a quality service. The post holder should have the ability to positively influence the work standards of the team and provide feedback and guidance to maintain those levels.
The post holder will be required to manage a team who have different work patterns and work locations.
If you are interested in this vacancy, please send a covering letter and CV now by clicking on the APPLY button.
Completed application should be returned by 11.59pm on 7th May 2026.
Successful candidates will be required to provide a Basic Disclosure Check Certificate.
Benefits
Lothian Valuation Joint Board offers a comprehensive package of financial, lifestyle and career benefits designed to support you at every stage of your life and career.
* Generous Lothian Pension Fund scheme with employer contributions of £2 for every £1 you pay in, tax relief on contributions, life cover of three times pay and pensions for eligible dependants, plus the option to take part of your pension as a tax‑free lump sum and retire from age 55 (actuarially reduced).
* Strong work–life balance support including flexible and hybrid working, special leave, enhanced maternity and paternity provisions and employment break options.
* Extensive health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits via Vivup, including retail and leisure discounts, spread‑the‑cost home and electronics schemes, cycle to work, car scheme, discounted gym memberships, financial wellbeing tools and a peer recognition platform.
* Competitive annual leave starting at 27 days plus public holidays, rising with continuous service to 35 days plus public holidays.
* Supportive occupational sick pay that increases with service, up to 26 weeks on full pay and 26 weeks on half pay for long‑serving employees.
* Interest‑free advance salary scheme to purchase and insure an annual public transport season ticket for travel to and from work.
* Strong commitment to training, development and progression, with structured learning, mandatory e‑learning, support for professional qualifications (including RICS accreditation) and clear career pathways for trainees and experienced staff.
* A positive, inclusive approach to health, safety and wellbeing, including specific menopause awareness and support, a confidential Employee Assistance Programme and access to up‑to‑date HR policies and guidance.
* Recognition of long service with awards for 25 years’ service, alongside an ongoing performance and development framework focused on regular feedback and growth.