Department: Growth
Terms & Conditions: Permanent, 37 hours per week
Closing date: 15th September 2026
Interview date: 28th & 29th September 2026
Are you developing a career in highway engineering and keen to help design and deliver projects that make travel safer and easier across Blackburn with Darwen?
We are looking for a Technician to join our Highways Projects team within the Highways and Transport service. This is a practical and varied role for someone with technical ability, an organised approach and a real interest in improving local roads and transport.
You will support the development and delivery of highway improvement schemes, working from early investigation and design through to construction on site. You will help produce AutoCAD drawings, review technical information and work with colleagues, developers, contractors and partners.
About the role
You will report to the Principal Highway Engineer for Highway Projects and support feasibility, concept, preliminary and detailed design work for highway improvement projects.
You will help arrange and supervise investigations such as coring and trial pits, assess test results and use the information to support practical design decisions.
You will also review construction drawings, support the adoption of works under Section 38 and Section 278 agreements, and help maintain the programme of future improvements.
Working under the direction of the Principal Engineer, you will use digital tools and new ways of working while making sure your work follows relevant laws, standards, Council procedures and the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.
What you'll be doing
- Supporting feasibility studies, concept designs, preliminary designs and detailed designs for highway improvement schemes.
- Producing and updating AutoCAD drawings and supporting technical documents.
- Arranging and supervising preliminary investigations, including early contractor involvement, coring and trial pits.
- Assessing and summarising test results so they can inform design decisions.
- Reviewing construction drawings and supporting the adoption of highway works under Section 38 and Section 278 agreements.
- Helping the team develop future schemes, manage the work pipeline and maintain the forward improvement programme.
- Supporting the delivery of highway improvement schemes and helping supervise works on site.
- Using digital solutions and suggesting practical improvements to the way the service works.
- Following relevant legislation, technical standards, professional guidance, Council policies and Health and Safety requirements.
- Helping the Council meet its duties as client and lead designer under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.
What we're looking for
You will have experience in highways or a closely related field, supported by sound technical skills and a good record of delivering accurate work.
You will be methodical, able to organise a busy workload and confident using your own initiative while knowing when to ask for guidance. You will be comfortable working under pressure and meeting deadlines without losing attention to detail.
You will communicate clearly, provide good customer service and build positive working relationships with colleagues, elected members, partners and the public while acting fairly, professionally and with appropriate confidentiality.
Essential knowledge and experience
- Experience in highways or a related field, with proven technical ability and a good record of delivering results.
- Working knowledge of highway design, the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions, and other relevant standards.
- Knowledge of construction methods and processes used to develop and deliver highway designs.
- Knowledge and experience of AutoCAD and related design packages.
- Awareness of Health and Safety, risk management and the Construction Design and Management Regulations.
- The ability to analyse information, solve problems and manage several pieces of work at the same time.
- Strong organisation and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise work, meet deadlines and remain accurate under pressure.
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work effectively with colleagues, elected members and partner organisations.
- A clear commitment to good customer service, value for money, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Evidence of continuing professional development and a willingness to keep learning.
Professional qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
A relevant Level 4 qualification, such as civil engineering or structural engineering, or be working towards one.
Why join us?
- A chance to contribute to highway projects that make a clear difference across Blackburn with Darwen.
- Practical experience across investigation, design, technical drawing and construction on site.
- Support and guidance from experienced engineers as you develop your technical skills and career.
- A varied workload that will help you understand how highway schemes move from an early idea to delivery.
- Opportunities to use AutoCAD, develop digital skills and contribute ideas for improving the service.
- A supportive and collaborative working environment guided by the Council's values of Trust, Respect, Ambition, Collaboration and Kindness.
Additional information
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who are committed to fair, inclusive and respectful practice. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role you may contact Mark Mykolajowski directly via email at [email protected]
