Flood & Coastal Technical Project Officer

Closing date: 16 June 2026

Salary: Grade 11, ranging from £32,597 to £36,363 per annum

Join Somerset Council as a Flood and Coastal Technical Project Officer and play a key role in delivering projects that protect communities, support sustainable growth, and strengthen resilience to environmental challenges. This is an opportunity to lead impactful work - from flood risk management schemes to wider environmental initiatives, seeing projects through from concept to completion while working closely with partners, stakeholders, and local communities.

In this role, you’ll directly contribute to safeguarding homes, infrastructure, and the natural environment, making a tangible difference across Somerset. With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and climate resilience, Somerset Council offers a supportive environment where your expertise will be valued, and your work will have lasting impact, making this a rewarding and meaningful next step in your career.

Role Summary:

As our Flood and Coastal Technical Project Officer, you will be responsible for managing and delivering technical projects that support Somerset Council’s economic, environmental, and community priorities. You will oversee projects throughout their lifecycle, ensuring they are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory and quality standards, contributing to improved resilience and positive outcomes for communities across Somerset.

What you'll do - Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and deliver technical flood and coastal projects from inception through to completion, ensuring successful outcomes.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to required quality and regulatory standards.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams, external partners, contractors, and local communities to support project delivery.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance to support project development and decision-making.
• Monitor and report on project progress, including financial performance and key milestones.
• Prepare and present reports, updates, and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage project resources, including staff, consultants, and contractors.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and industry best practice.
• Develop and maintain project documentation, including plans, schedules, and budgets.

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

Essential

• Strong understanding of project management principles and methodologies.
• Excellent project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of water management practices and principles, alongside awareness of relevant legislation and regulations.
• Understanding of risk management and mitigation strategies, supported by strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Knowledge of financial management and budgeting, with experience monitoring financial performance within projects.
• Proven experience in managing and delivering technical projects, including coordinating and managing project resources.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and management, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in preparing and presenting project reports, supported by effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong technical and analytical skills, with proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to deliver work to deadlines.
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g. project management, engineering).

Desirable

• Familiarity with local government operations and regulatory environments.
• Experience working within a flood and coastal management environment.
• Experience in conducting project evaluations and implementing lessons learned.
• Professional certification in project management (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP).
• Training in risk management and mitigation.
• Certification in financial management or budgeting.
• Commitment to continuous professional development in relevant areas.

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