Job Introduction
The starting salary range for this role is £28,546 to £35,683 per annum (subject to annual pay award negotiations), based on a 36-hour working week.
This role sits within our Professional Development programme and spans three linked grades within our pay grade structure. The role is intended to develop successful candidates with training and experience provided to ensure progress. You will be required to participate in a formal training development plan to increase your expertise and attain technical and professional qualifications. For example, we will provide for you to study a relevant subject to BTEC / HNC level – this means you will need to hold a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4 or above (C or above) including Maths and English. Salary progression is linked to progress through the formal training development plan.
The role is part of our high performing Design Office, based in Guildford, with the opportunity of working out of other SCC offices. It is a hybrid role, offering a flexible mix of home, office, and site-based working, tailored to the needs of the projects you'll be supporting. You can expect to be in the office or on site approximately at least two days per week.
Our Offer to You
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26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
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Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
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A generous local government salary related pension
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Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
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Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
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An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
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Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
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Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
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A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
Place is a large and complex directorate with responsibilities including facilitating safe and reliable journeys, shaping places for our customers, achieving sustainability and climate changes targets and always putting the customer first while providing excellent value for taxpayer money.
Reporting directly to one of our Design Leads, you will be at the beginning of your career in highway design or may have some prior experience. You will be keen to grow in your skills and experience. You will be trained to be part of a team designing and delivering highway infrastructure projects – starting with minor improvements and working up to more substantial schemes. We work closely with a number of internal teams and also with our contractors Ringway and M Group.
This role is ideal for someone at the start of their career in highway design. We would be delighted to consider applications from school leavers or university graduates.
Shortlisting Criteria
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
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Minimum of 5 GCSEs, including English and Maths at grade 4 or above
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An enthusiasm for a career in this field
As part of the application process, you will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:
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Please tell us about your experience of making, producing or arranging something as part of a team. This might have been at school or university, or with family, friends or clubs that you are part of.
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Please tell us what experience you have of using computer software for design or art, and what skills you have with office software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
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Describe any situation where you have had to follow guidelines or procedures as part of your work. This might have been at school or university, or in the context of paid or unpaid work. How did you make sure you were following the correct guidelines or procedures?
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Please describe a time when you used your communication and people skills to overcome a problem.
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Please tell us why you are interested in highways and transport, why you are interested in design and also if there anything else you would like to tell us to support your application.
When answering the above questions, please do give us specific examples wherever possible. Answers will be scored and used for shortlisting purposes.
You will also be asked to confirm whether you have a full, clean driving licence. This is not essential for the lower two grades in this professional development role – it would be required to progress to the highest grade. The role requires the ability to work and travel across the County. At the highest grade in this role you would be expected to have access to a car to use for work related travel.
For candidates hoping to be considered for the higher grades in this professional development role, you would need to have AutoCAD skills and also have some previous experience of designing or implementing highway improvement projects.
If you are at the start of your career in highway design and are looking for an opportunity to develop your skills while working towards a professional qualification, please click the apply button below! We would also welcome a conversation with you should you have any questions about the role or assessment process.
Contact Details
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
For an informal discussion contact:
Nick Healey, [email protected], 07581 363351
Zena Curry, [email protected], 020 8541 7168
The job advert closes at 23:59 on Sunday 21st June with interviews to follow.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
