Location: Barrow, Kendal or Penrith
Contract Type: Fixed term for 36 months
About this opportunity
Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking an enthusiastic and proactive Development Management Officer - Flood to join our Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Team.
The post directly supports the delivery of major place‑based programmes in Barrow, including Brilliant Barrow and Barrow Rising, contributing to long‑term regeneration, resilience, and infrastructure improvement across the area.
This role supports the Council’s range of flood and coastal risk management functions, including:
- Assessing planning applications and enquiries that affect flood or coastal risk, providing formal LLFA and CPA responses.
- Reviewing Sustainable Drainage Verification Reports and monitoring drainage implementation on development sites.
- Ensure Section 21 register (Flood and Water Management Act) is updated
- Negotiate mitigation measures, financial contributions and infrastructure improvements, including supporting Section 106 drafting and management.
- Provide technical advice on flood and coastal policy, guidance, legislation and sustainable drainage.
- Engage with communities, partners, technical groups and elected members to promote collaborative working.
You will lead on specialist areas depending on experience—such as drainage in new developments, or stakeholder engagement. A key part of the role involves preparing technical responses, advising on mitigation measures, and helping secure Section 106 contributions and funding for resilience improvements.
Who we are looking for…
You will be an experienced and motivated flooding, coastal or civil engineering professional with:
- A relevant degree or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Strong understanding of flood mechanisms, coastal processes and drainage design.
- Experience in preparing statutory planning consultations.
- Experience working with multi‑agency partners and leading technical or community task groups.
- Ability to understand technical drawings and produce clear written and verbal reports.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills
Desirable:
- Experience using AutoCAD and GIS software
Essential:
- Valid driving licence (regular site visits required)
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Helen Renyard on [email protected]
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 16/06/2026
Interview date: 23/06/2026
We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected].
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
