Overview
Wirral Council is a place where you can genuinely make a difference, guided by strong organisational values that shape everything we do. Our values—ambitious, professional, resident‑focused and accountable—act as our organisational DNA, influencing how we work, lead and support one another every day. We take pride in delivering great services, acting with integrity, building positive relationships, and always putting residents first, creating a supportive and inclusive culture where everyone can “be the best we can be”. With our beautiful surroundings, ambitious future plans, and a commitment to empowering staff to #BeTheDifference, Wirral Council offers an inspiring environment to grow your career and make a lasting impact.
About The Role
Senior Drainage Inspector — Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
Wirral Council is seeking a highly skilled Senior Drainage Inspector to lead, develop and support our Highway Drainage Team. This is a crucial role at the heart of keeping our road network safe, resilient, and responsive for our residents.
If you thrive in a role where no two days are the same, enjoy problem-solving, and want to make a meaningful difference across the borough, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
* Lead and manage the highway drainage team, promoting a culture of growth, innovation, and high performance.
* Oversee the management of highway drainage assets, ensuring accurate records and effective maintenance.
* Investigate drainage issues, undertake and review CCTV surveys, and produce detailed technical reports.
* Manage a drainage budget of approximately £500,000 and present regular financial and operational reports to senior management.
* Develop drainage policies, assess risk, review contractor method statements, and approve technical drawings.
* Collaborate with stakeholders including United Utilities, Environment Agency, Welsh Water, contractors, and elected members.
* Drive continuous improvement and develop new operational methods to enhance service delivery.
This is a hands-on technical and leadership role, balancing fieldwork, report writing, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making.
About The Candidate
You will bring:
Qualifications & Knowledge
* A relevant qualification at ONC/NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in civil, structural, construction engineering, or significant equivalent experience.
* Strong knowledge of highways and drainage systems, plus an understanding of relevant legislation.
* Ability to read engineering drawings and interpret drainage reports.
Skills & Experience
* Experience in highway maintenance and dealing with drainage issues.
* Practical experience using and interpreting CCTV drainage survey equipment.
* Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office), communication skills, and the ability to produce high-quality technical reports.
* Experience supervising staff and working collaboratively with contractors and external partners.
* Time management, analytical skills, and an organised approach to prioritising work.
Desirable skills include AutoCAD experience, detailed drainage terminology knowledge, and broader familiarity with the Code of Practice, NRSWA, and the Flood & Water Management Act.
Contact and Additional Information
In the first instance, for an informal chat or more information about the role, contact Brian Smith, Senior Highway Maintenance Manager, via email at briansmith@wirral.gov.uk.
Interviews to be held week commencing 13th April 2026.
If your skills, knowledge, or experience look a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we may explore a traineeship for this role, subject to the skills, knowledge, or experience levels within the candidate pool.
If you are a Wirral resident, are unemployed or out of work, and require help with your application, please contact Involve Northwest’s employment and skills team at info@involvenorthwest.org.uk or call 0151 644 4500 or 0151 652 4349.
If you’re already a Wirral Council employee, we’re committed to strengthening opportunities for our people to learn, grow, progress, and thrive. For more information about support during the internal recruitment process, email recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.
Working at Wirral
You’ll want to know what it’s like to work here. Our values guide our actions and culture. We are committed to staff wellbeing, development, and recognising great work. Benefits include an excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions, life cover and ill-health protection, flexible and hybrid working, family-friendly initiatives, and an annual leave package starting at 28 days plus public holidays.
We embrace diversity and nurture an inclusive culture that values every voice and contribution. If you need any recruitment process adjustments to make it barrier-free and accessible, please contact recruitment@wirral.gov.uk.
Please note that, in accordance with the Council’s policy, employees in a formal redeployment situation will be considered in the first instance for all vacancies. It is Council policy not to re‑appoint employees who have left under EVR or VS schemes, unless in exceptional circumstances. Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications. Applications can only be accepted through the Jobs page following registration. Forms received via post will not be processed. All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK. Details of required documents can be found on the Jobs page. The job description and other supporting documents will not be accessible once the vacancy closing date has passed, so download a copy now. We do not accept applications or CVs from recruitment agencies unless stated otherwise.
How To Apply
Please apply online by clicking the link below
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