Date: 7 Aug 2026
Location: Taunton, GB, TA1 4DY
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Company: Somerset Council
Closing date: 20 August 2026
Salary: Grade 10 ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum
Flooding and coastal change are among the most complex and important challenges facing communities today, and this role offers the chance to support meaningful work across Somerset. It’s an opportunity to apply your engineering expertise where it truly matters, contributing to decisions that have a real impact on places and people.
You’ll work on a mix of rewarding projects and wider flood and coastal initiatives, see your input shape outcomes on the ground, and be part of work that supports long‑term resilience in a changing climate. If you’re looking for a role with purpose, variety, and the chance to do work you can genuinely be proud of, this is one to explore.
Role Summary
As our Flood and Coastal Engineer, you’ll provide technical support across the Council on flood and coastal management matters. Your role will focus on supporting planning, assessments and project delivery, and working collaboratively to help develop practical, climate‑resilient solutions that protect communities and the coastline.
What you’ll do – Key Responsibilities
Provide technical advice on flood and coastal management to colleagues and external partners.
Support planning applications and development proposals to manage flood and coastal risk.
Contribute to the management, maintenance and delivery of flood and coastal infrastructure projects.
Support delivery of the Local Flood Risk Strategy and statutory flood and coastal duties.
Work with partners, stakeholders and communities on flood and coastal risk matters.
What we’re looking for – Knowledge, Experience, & Skills
Essential
Thorough understanding of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Land Drainage Act 1991 and Coast Protection Act 1949.
Understanding of the roles, responsibilities and regulatory frameworks of key stakeholders, including the Environment Agency and water companies.
In‑depth knowledge of engineering infrastructure asset management strategy and implementation, including service levels, risk, investment, criticality and asset lifecycles.
Knowledge of Local Flood Risk Strategies and Coastal Management Strategies, including their implementation and climate change impacts.
Experience providing professional and technical advice on flood and coastal management matters.
Proven experience contributing to the delivery of local flood risk strategies.
Demonstrable experience in the development and delivery (including construction) of civil infrastructure projects, ideally relating to coastal defences, drainage and flood risk management.
Strong ability to assess flood risk issues at both desktop and site level and produce proportionate, informed assessments.
Ability to review drainage and coastal systems, identify critical functionality, and advise on optimisation, risks and investment needs.
Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative working skills, with experience engaging stakeholders, staff and the public.
A degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline, supported by ongoing continuous professional development in flood and coastal management.
Desirable
In‑depth understanding of flood and coastal management functions, their role in reducing flood risk, and knowledge of emerging developments, innovation and best practice in the field.
Awareness of the Council’s equality, diversity and inclusion policies and how they are applied in professional practice.
Experience in flood risk planning and preparation, including contributing to service improvement planning and delivery.
Experience developing innovative solutions to complex technical and practical challenges.
Chartered status with a relevant professional body (e.g. ICE)
Additional training or qualifications in flood and coastal management and/or project management.
Proficiency in GIS and remote sensing technologies.
Additional Information
Permanent, Full-time role (37 hours per week)
30 days’ annual leave (additional to Bank Holidays)
Flexible and Hybrid working opportunities.
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 Neil Ogilvie, Service Manager – Flood and Coastal Management via email:
[email protected]
A full job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates or on request.
