Principal Flood and Coastal Engineer

Closing date: 2 June 2026

Salary: Grade 9 ranging from £41,771 - £46,142 per annum

Flooding and coastal change are among the most complex and important challenges facing communities today, and this senior role offers the chance to lead meaningful, high-impact work across Somerset. You’ll be trusted to shape how the Council responds to risk, growth and climate change, working on issues that truly matter to the places and people you serve.

You’ll operate with real influence, contributing to strategic decisions, shaping policy and programme delivery, and representing the Council with senior stakeholders and partner organisations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to step into a visible, respected role, apply their expertise at a county‑wide scale and play a central part in protecting communities and infrastructure.

Role Summary

As our Flood and Coastal Principal Engineer, you’ll act as the Council’s Chief Technical Authority for flood and coastal management, fulfilling statutory duties as both the Lead Local Flood Authority and Coastal Protection Authority. You’ll provide senior technical oversight across planning, drainage, enforcement and asset management, helping to guide the Council’s approach to managing flood risk and coastal change.

What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Council’s Chief Technical Authority for flood and coastal management, supporting statutory duties as Lead Local Flood Authority and Coastal Protection Authority.
• Lead the delivery of Somerset’s Local Flood Risk Strategy and support compliance with flood and coastal legislation.
• Provide senior technical advice on complex planning and development matters, including referrals, pre‑application advice, appeals and committees.
• Oversee flood and coastal infrastructure asset management, maintenance and renewal programmes, and critical infrastructure designation.
• Represent the Council with key partners and stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, water companies and the Somerset Rivers Authority.

What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills

Essential

• In‑depth understanding of flood and coastal management functions and relevant legislation, including the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Land Drainage Act 1991 and Coast Protection Act 1949.
• Proven experience providing senior professional and technical advice on flood and coastal management issues.
• Demonstrable experience in the development and delivery of civil infrastructure projects, particularly relating to flood risk, drainage or coastal defence.
• Strong understanding of engineering infrastructure asset management, including risk, criticality, lifecycle planning and investment.
• Experience delivering or supporting Local Flood Risk Strategies and meeting statutory responsibilities.
• Ability to assess complex flooding, drainage and coastal issues at desktop and site level and provide proportionate, evidence‑based advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly to a wide range of audiences.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, leadership and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external organisations
• Degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, with ongoing commitment to professional development.
• Chartered status with a relevant professional body (e.g. ICE).

Desirable

• Experience developing long‑term programmes of work derived from policy and strategy.
• Experience contributing to service improvement plans and policy development.
• Experience with flood‑risk‑related planning processes, including development management input.
• Ability to develop innovative or novel engineering solutions to complex problems.
• Professional certification in flood risk management or a related specialism.
• Additional training in flood and coastal management and/or project management.
• Proficiency in GIS and/or remote sensing technologies.
• Awareness of emerging best practice and innovation in flood and coastal management.

Additional Information

• Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week)
• 30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
• Flexible and Hybrid working 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 via email: neil.ogilvie@somerset.gov.uk

A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.