Date: 22 Jul 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing Date: 04 August 2026
Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 to £41,771per annum
This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical and professional expertise to work that genuinely changes lives. As a Senior Technical Surveyor – Home Adaptations, you will help people of all ages live more independently, safely, and comfortably in their own homes. From small modifications to complex, high‑value adaptation projects, your work will directly support individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and wellbeing.
Working closely with clients, families, health professionals, housing providers, and contractors, you will manage a wide range of construction projects with compassion, professionalism, and technical confidence. Every project you deliver will have a lasting, positive impact on people, communities, and the quality of life across Somerset.
Role Summary
The Senior Technical Surveyor is responsible for managing and delivering a programme of home adaptation projects under the Council’s housing assistance policy, including Disabled Facilities Grants. The role ensures projects are designed, procured, and delivered safely, compliantly, and to a high standard, while effectively managing budgets, risk, and stakeholder expectations. Acting as Principal Designer, the postholder provides professional expertise across the full project lifecycle and works closely with people with disabilities to ensure adaptations meet their needs with empathy and professionalism.
What you'll do - Key Responsibilities
Manage and deliver a range of home adaptation construction projects from feasibility through to completion
Act as Principal Designer, ensuring compliance with CDM Regulations and health and safety legislation
Work directly with clients with a wide range of disabilities, building trust and understanding individual needs
Assess eligibility, practicality, and funding options for housing adaptations and financial assistance
Prepare drawings, specifications, and schedules of work using AutoCAD
Obtain, assess, and manage quotations, tenders, budgets, and contractor performance
Monitor project progress, quality, and costs through site inspections and reporting
Manage grant expenditure, approve payments, and ensure accurate financial and case records
Provide professional guidance, mentoring, and support to technical officers and caseworkers
Contribute to service improvement, best practice, and transformational change initiatives
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Knowledge
Comprehensive knowledge of Building Regulations, planning processes (including listed buildings), and housing construction, design, maintenance, and retrofit
Good working knowledge of construction processes, practices, and procedures
Detailed knowledge of statutory legislation relating to home adaptations, including the Disabled Facilities Grant process
Detailed knowledge and practical application of CDM Regulations, including the Principal Designer role and preparation of pre‑construction information and Health & Safety files
Detailed knowledge of the Control of Asbestos Regulations and Housing Health and Safety Rating System legislation
Good understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the context of housing and social care
Proficiency in relevant software, including AutoCAD, to produce architectural drawings and technical schematics
Experience
Experience working as a Building Surveyor or Architect
Experience undertaking feasibility studies and managing construction projects
Proven experience of financial, project, and contract management
Experience preparing scopes of work, briefs, and managing external contractors
Ability to analyse, interpret, and evaluate complex technical information
Strong communication skills, including explaining technical information to non‑technical audiences
Skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise workloads, and meet deadlines with attention to detail
Strong problem‑solving skills and a solution‑focused approach
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a wide range of stakeholders
Ability to process data, use databases, and manage records accurately
Ability to manage applicant expectations with empathy while applying council policies
Ability to work flexibly, use initiative, and operate effectively with limited supervision
Desirable
Experience working within a local authority, housing service, or home improvement agency
Any Additional Information
30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours
The role involves visiting clients in their homes across Somerset, including rural locations
Regular travel is required; a current driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential
The role may involve physical effort, including working at height and accessing varied property types and appropriate PPE must be worn as required
This role may involve working with confidential information and supporting statutory or time‑critical processes. Some flexibility may be required to meet service demands, in line with Somerset Council’s working arrangements.
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 Karen Wilcox, DFG Manager via email
[email protected] or Chloe Cox, Service Manager via email at
[email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
