Flood & Coastal Planning Officer

Closing date: 16 June 2026

Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 to £41,771 per annum

Make a meaningful difference to communities across Somerset as a Flood & Coastal Planning Officer. In this role, you’ll help shape how development is delivered across the county, ensuring it is safe, sustainable and resilient to flood risk. Working as part of the Council’s Lead Local Flood Authority, you will provide expert advice that directly influences planning decisions, helping to protect homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.

This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled and motivated professional with a passion for public service and environmental responsibility. You’ll work closely with colleagues, partners and local communities to deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that balance growth with long-term resilience. In return, Somerset Council offers a supportive environment where your expertise is valued, and your career can grow while making an impact every day.

Role Summary:

As our Flood & Coastal Planning Officer, you will play a key role in supporting sustainable development by providing specialist advice on flood risk and coastal management. You will assess planning applications, contribute to policy development and work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to manage and reduce flood risk. Through your work, you will help drive positive environmental outcomes and protect Somerset’s communities, businesses and natural environment.

What you'll do - Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, manage, review and respond to Planning Application Referrals from the Local Planning Authority, applying best practice under guidance from the National Planning Policy Framework.
• Participate in service activities ensuring the Council fulfils its statutory duties and responsibilities to meet the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Flood Risk Regulations 2009, to reduce impact of flooding on residents, businesses and visitors of Somerset.
• Provide professional and technical advice, guidance and support to Senior Professionals, Line Managers and external organisations on flood and coastal management issues.
• Contribute to the delivery of Somerset’s Local Flood Risk Strategy and support the achievement of service and organisational objectives.
• Work closely with internal teams, the Environment Agency, Water Companies and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated and effective flood risk management.
• Communicate proactively with Members, stakeholders and the public, including attending site visits and engaging with landowners and communities.
• Support continuous improvement by sharing technical expertise and contributing to service development activities.

What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

Essential

• Thorough understanding of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Flood Risk Regulations 2009.
• Knowledgeable about local flood risk strategies and their implementation.
• In-depth understanding of Flood & Coastal management functions and their importance in reducing flood risk.
• Familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, including the Environment Agency and Water Companies.
• Knowledge of the council’s equality, diversity, and inclusion policies is necessary to uphold these values in all interactions.
• Experience in providing professional and technical advice on flood and coastal management issues.
• Proven track record of delivering the aims and objectives of local flood risk strategies.
• Experience in planning and preparation related to flood risk.
• Experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including Members, staff, and the public, on flood risk matters.
• A degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Geoscience/Geography, or Water Management is essential.
• Continuous professional development in the field of flood and coastal management.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey technical information to various audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex flood and coastal management issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders and build positive relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively with different departments and external organisations.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and tools for flood risk assessment and management.

Desirable

• Awareness of the latest developments and best practices in flood and coastal management.
• Experience in contributing to the development and delivery of service improvement plans.
• Professional certification in flood risk management or a related area.
• Membership in a relevant professional body, such as the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
• Additional training or coursework in flood and coastal management.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively.

Additional Information:

• Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week).
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays).
• This role offers flexible hybrid working, allowing you to work from home or from one of our offices.
• Career development opportunities.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Neil Ogilvie, Service Manager – Flood and Coastal Management on 01823 355533 or neil.ogilvie@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request via recruitment@somerset.gov.uk