Role: Senior Engineer (SuDS/Planning) - Drainage & Flood Risk Management team 

Service: Transport and Countryside
Team: Asset Management (Highways & Flood Risk)
Sub Team: Drainage & Flood Risk Management
37 hours per week

Permanent

From £41,771 to £48,226 per annum (Grade J) 

Are you an experienced engineer looking for a new challenge within a dynamic and supportive environment? West Berkshire Council are looking for a Senior Engineer to provide professional advice to the Local Planning Authority in relation to sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDs), flood risk management and land drainage. 

The Role

As a member of the Asset Management team, and under the general direction of the Asset Manager and Principal Engineer, you will: 

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• Provide professional and technical services consistent with the postholder’s qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to the delivery of highways and transport services in West Berkshire, with an emphasis on drainage projects.
  
• Promote the use of sustainable drainage and assist with the duties of West Berkshire Council as a Lead Local Flood Authority.
  
• Assess and respond to consultation requests from the planning department for flood risk and drainage advice. Review applications and encourage the use of sustainable drainage systems in accordance with relevant policy and guidance, including (but not limited to) the National Planning Policy Framework, associated planning practice guidance, CIRIA C753 The SuDS Manual, and the Council’s Sustainable Drainage Supplementary Planning Document.
  
• Work with the Local Planning Authority and Highway Authority to ensure that contributions from developments are received where applicable (under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act and Sections 38/278 of the Highways Act 1990).
  
• Ensure that adopted flood risk and drainage assets from new developments are recorded on WBC’s asset registers by liaising with the relevant highways officer.
  
• Manage Ordinary Watercourse Consents in accordance with the Land Drainage Act 1991.
  
• Assist with the maintenance of the asset management database under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010.
  
• Lead and assist in the development and delivery of flood management initiatives and projects.
  
• Seek out and implement opportunities for the use of SuDS and Natural Flood Management schemes, including applying for grants from organisations such as the Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (TRFCC).  
  

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes: 

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• A relevant engineering qualification and professional accreditation (e.g. Degree and 3 years experience or BTEC Higher National Certificate in Civil Engineering or equivalent and 5 years experience)
  
• Significant experience in sustainable drainage, land drainage and flood risk management functions with a strong understanding of relevant legislation and standards
  
• Proven technical ability and understanding of National Planning Policy Framework
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with stakeholders
  
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities
  
• Experience in supervising and mentoring junior staff  
  

If you are a motivated and dedicated engineer, passionate about delivering high-quality transport solutions, we would love to hear from you.  

West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as: 

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• Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
  
• Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
  
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities 
  
• Generous Local Government pension scheme
  
• Family friendly policies
  
• A range of local discounts
  
• Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
  
• You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 29 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service. 
  

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.   

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Bacchus on 01635 503938 or email  

If you are ready to take the next step in your engineering career and make a positive impact within the local community, apply now to join West Berkshire Council as a Senior Engineer. 

West Berkshire Council is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.  

Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. 

Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: 

Equal Opportunities

The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

How to apply

To view the job description or apply for this role, please visit please click here

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Closing date: 12/10/2025