Job Description

Some key information

This role is based at County Hall, Taunton with opportunities for remote working agreed with the manager. 30 days' annual leave (in addition to bank holidays). The contract offered is permanent and full-time (37 hours per week).

What will I be doing?

We're working to improve the lives of people in Somerset - and you'll be a key part of that. As a Flood & Coastal Principal Engineer you will serve as the Chief Technical Authority on flood and coastal management within the Council. Acting as both the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and Coastal Protections Authority (CPA), the Principal Engineer provides expert technical advice and guidance on a wide range of issues, including planning and development, drainage assessments, enforcements and asset management.



Your day-to-day work will involve:


Leading the development and implementation of an Asset Management System and associated Infrastructure Maintenance & Renewal Programme related to Flood & Coastal management Infrastructure for which the Council are responsible. Promoting sustainable and innovative engineering solutions in all projects. Support and managing Officers in the receiving and response to Riparian management matters, providing deliberation and assessment where required. Providing a mentoring and support role for other Officers within the team, fostering a culture of continual improvement and mutual support.

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

We offer ongoing support, training and guidance to help you be the best you can be. But it will really help if you have:


A degree in Civil Engineering or similar Chartership with a relevant professional body, such as the Institute of Civil Engineers. Thorough understanding of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Land Drainage Act 1991, and the Coast protection Act 1949. An in depth and expert knowledge in Engineering Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy and Implementation, understanding the linkages between Service Levels, Risk, Investment, Criticality and Asset Lifecycles.

We're proud to be here for the people of Somerset. And that means everyone in Somerset. An important part of this is ensuring that we are as diverse and inclusive as the people and communities we serve.



We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences to enrich our team. You can always contact the hiring manager for a chat if there's anything you want to talk about before you apply.

What's in it for me?

We are proud to offer an environment that is supportive and rewarding, working as part of a team who are passionate about the work they do to improve the lives of people in Somerset.



We offer great training and development opportunities, with supportive management. As well as this, we have some fantastic employee benefits available:


We promote a healthy work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home. Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave Staff discounts in gyms. Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services. Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme. A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings. My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more

Anything else I should know?

The salary for the role is Grade 9, ranging from 41,771 to 46,142 per annum.



For an informal chat about the role, you can contact James Divall, Head of Climate and Natural Environment, on james.divall@somerset.gov.uk.



Interviews will take place from 1st September 2025.



When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.



If you have all the information you need, just hit the apply button - we can't wait to hear from you.



Job Reference: SCC05645