Natural Flood Management Project Officer

Join the Strategic Flood Management Team, part of the Climate Change and Environment Service within the Planning, Growth and Sustainability Directorate. We are looking for a Natural Flood Management Officer to join the team for a fixed term of 18 months initially.

About us

The Strategic Flood Management Team, are a team of fifteen who are enthusiastic and passionate about delivering the statutory responsibilities of managing local flood risk in BC’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority. We are responsible for the delivery of a number of flood management projects and developing new projects for future programmes. These projects cover a wide range of options from more engineered solutions such as culvert replacement through to catchment options of Natural Flood Management measures and property flood resilience options or temporary defences within the community. We also help to guide the flood management approach on large infrastructure projects.

About the role

This is an exciting role with a number of different elements to give a wide variety to not only help deliver Natural Flood Management projects on the ground but also to shape the future direction of NFM within Buckinghamshire and to link to other strategic initiatives such as tree planting, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain.

The project officer will be responsible for managing the delivery of NFM measures from the client perspective for two projects: one which is ready to go into construction with a very experienced contractor already in place and the second with some scope to develop the initial designs to appoint a contractor for delivery.

The role also has a more strategic element which the project officer will be expected to deliver on. This includes working with external partners (including Environment Agency and water companies) to identify new projects for NFM across the County and identify and apply for funding through bid applications into suitable funding pots. If suitable funding is identified, then this post could be considered a permanent position in the future.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, which can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements*.

*Subject to current Government Covid-19 Guidance

Key Accountabilities

• Manage the delivery of two Natural Flood Management schemes on the ground
• Work in a dynamic team, across the Council and with external partners to develop the Natural Flood Management opportunities within Buckinghamshire
• Work with a diverse range of partners (internal and external) and members of the community
• Identify, promote and seek funding for new Natural Flood Management Projects
• Write business cases for funding and create a pipeline of work for Natural Flood Management

About you

If you want an exciting opportunity to use your skills in Natural Flood Management and delivering to manage the delivery of a couple of well-advanced schemes on the ground alongside developing a pipeline of NFM work then this may be the role for you.

You can combine work on managing delivery alongside some wider strategic and partnership working and have the opportunity to look for funding, write business cases and developing NFM within a Local Authority context.

There is the chance to link NFM with other initiatives such as Biodiversity Net Gain, tree planting and Local Nature Recovery Strategy within a Council keen to promote new initiatives and be a leader in this field.

• Has relevant experience and technical skills in a flood/Natural Flood Management/project management role
• Has understanding of roles and responsibilities of the Lead Local Flood Authority
• Has a good understanding of flood mechanisms
• Ability to manage and prioritise work to meet deadlines
• Has experience of building and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders, and an ability to represent professional service area both internally and externally
• Strong, negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
• Has some project management skills and experience
• Able to provide authoritative specialist advice under pressure
• Degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline is essential.
• Membership of a relevant professional organisation is welcomed.

Other information

Closing date: Sunday 2nd of October

Shortlisting date: 3^rd to 5^th October

Interview date: 12^th to 17^th October

Interview-type / process: In person

For an informal chat about this role in more detail, please contact Karen Fisher on 01296 382951 or karen.fisher@buckinghamshire.gov.uk

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• Unspent convictions and/or unspent conditional cautions only

For further information on how long it takes for convictions and conditional cautions to be spent, please refer to Nacro’s guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire. We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. We also offer a salary sacrifice personal car lease scheme and the opportunity to gain membership to Costco. We have discounted gym memberships, Travel discounts with Arriva and Chiltern Railways and much more.

APPLICATIONS HERE.