Flood Projects Officer (Natural Flood Management)

Overview

Are you passionate about improving the environment and addressing climate change?

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Flood Projects Officer (NFM) to lead the delivery of innovative Natural Flood Management (NFM) projects across Buckinghamshire. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver strategic flood resilience projects that benefit communities, wildlife and the wider natural environment.

This is a 12-month Secondment/ Fixed-Term contract opportunity.

About us

The Climate Change and Flood Risk Management (CCFRM) Team plays a central role in delivering sustainable solutions that protect our communities and enhance our natural landscapes. Working collaboratively with internal teams, the Environment Agency, water companies and other community partners, we develop forward thinking approaches to flood risk management, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. You’ll be joining a committed team that is ambitious, collaborative and proud to deliver meaningful, long-term impacts.

The CCFRM Team manages local flood risk to ensure delivery of statutory responsibilities, associated with the Council’s role as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). The Team is comprised of the Flood Management Team, the Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Team, Project Groundwater and the Flood Capital Programme Team.

The Flood Capital Programme Team carries out the Councils non-statutory function of identifying, funding and delivering a programme of capital projects (including NFM projects) to reduce flood risk to residential properties within Buckinghamshire, along with delivering other benefits, such as environmental enhancements where possible. This is a commitment made by the Council in our Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (2023) which is supported by a capital funding allocation:

• to manage flood risk through our capital programme, using sustainable techniques, nature-based solutions and adaptive pathways in delivering our flood risk management activities, projects and schemes.

About the role

The Flood Projects Officer (NFM) manages the delivery of NFM projects, supports strategic programme development; and builds positive working relationships across all catchment partners, working closely with them to identify and secure funding for project pipelines. The Officer will lead the delivery of the Council’s strategic approach to NFM delivery and work with internal and external stakeholders (including the Environment Agency, water companies, catchment partnerships, charities, and private estates) to promote and increase the adoption of nature-based solutions (NbS) for flood risk management.

The role is responsible for progressing flood risk management NbS projects through all life-cycle stages, ensuring effective supplier procurement and contract management, and maintaining robust information and financial management, including securing and monitoring grant funding.

The Flood Capital Programme develops and delivers a range of flood risk mitigation schemes from the more engineered solutions such as culvert replacement, to catchment resilience options like NFM, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and property flood resilience. The Officer will also provide specialist NFM advice to internal and external teams, where required, and act as the primary point of contact for NbS within the team, including attending relevant catchment partnerships and other relevant stakeholder meetings.

The Officer will build strong working relationships across the Council to embed and promote NbS within wider initiatives, such as the tree-planting programme, Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Environment and Climate Change Strategy, Biodiversity Net Gain, the Natural Environment Partnership, and the Buckinghamshire Highways Capital Drainage Programme.

Alex Beckett, Climate Change & Flood Risk Manager said “This substantial role leads on the implementation of pioneering high impact projects that will make a huge difference to communities at risk of flooding.  It is a great opportunity for a dynamic self-starter with an impressive background in flood risk management and project delivery.”

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and project manage flood risk management nature-based solution schemes, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Produce and maintain essential project documentation including project briefs, procurement specifications, supplier contracts, initiation documents, risk registers, and financial plans, communications and project plans.
• Support the development of a countywide strategic approach to NFM and contribute to a pipeline of future projects aligned to flood risk management and wider environmental programmes.
• Work with the Environment Agency, water companies and other internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities and develop business cases to secure funding.
• Manage procurement processes, commission contractors and consultants, and oversee contract performance.
• Monitor project budgets, report on expenditure, and escalate issues where required.
• Coordinate internal and external partners, providing specialist advice on NFM, project delivery and funding requirements.
• Lead communications for assigned projects, ensuring effective engagement with councillors, partners and local communities.
• Maintain lessons learned, ensure compliance with Health & Safety and CDM regulations, and uphold professional standards across all project work.

About you

This applicant will have excellent flood risk and project management experience. As such they will have:

• relevant experience and technical skills in NbS and project management.
• an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the Lead Local Flood Authority, with knowledge of relevant legislation and policies in flood risk management.
• a good understanding of the various flood risk mechanisms.
• an understanding of public procurement policies.
• excellent planning and organisation skills with the ability to manage and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• excellent interpersonal skills and experience of building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.
• an ability to represent the service area, both internally and externally.
• strong, negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
• project management skills and experience in budget and contract management.
• an ability to provide authoritative specialist advice under pressure.
• a degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline.

For further information on this role please see the attached job summary.

Other information

Any Desk

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office at least twice a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

The role is likely to require some days or occasional evenings out on site or in the community – for example, attending flood group meetings, flood forums or multi-agency events.

Interview date: TBC

Interview-type / process: In person at Walton Street Offices, Walton Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UA or via MS Teams.

For additional information or an informal conversation about this role or the team’s work, please contact Lee Sencier ([email protected] ; 01494 586432) or Louise Bower ([email protected])

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

About the Business Unit

Our Planning, Growth and Sustainability directorate works with partners to help shape the future of Buckinghamshire.  We deliver services on planning, economic growth, regeneration, strategic infrastructure, transport and property.

 Our key priorities include developing the economic narrative for Bucks, creating more jobs and delivering the right infrastructure to help businesses and residents thrive. We also aim to provide a proactive planning service that is responsive, whilst making the best use of the Council’s land and property portfolio. This will in turn support community services and create housing, jobs, regeneration and income to support public services.

 It’s a great time to join one of our teams. As part of the Planning, Growth and Sustainability function you will not only get to help shape the economic future of Buckinghamshire; you’ll also be involved in delivering high-profile development projects and work on some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the UK. You will support us to deliver the results that our local residents and businesses deserve.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/