Flood Risk and SuDS Engineer

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Help shape sustainable development and create resilient communities across Gateshead

The Built and Natural Environment Team is a diverse, multi-disciplinary service that brings together specialist professionals across Transport, Urban Design, Ecology, Trees, Drainage, Heritage and Contaminated Land. Working collaboratively across the council and with external partners, the team plays a key role in shaping sustainable development, protecting communities from flood risk and ensuring that growth across Gateshead delivers positive environmental outcomes

Use your drainage expertise to influence major developments and protect communities from future flood risk.

What you will get to do:

• Provide specialist technical advice on surface water drainage and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) for development proposals across Gateshead.
• Work closely with planning officers, developers, landowners and partner organisations to influence and secure high-quality SuDS solutions.
• Support the development and review of strategic plans, policies and guidance, including flood risk strategies, local plans and flood risk assessments.
• Lead and support the adoption and long-term management of SuDS infrastructure, including legal agreements and inspections.
• Monitor and inspect drainage schemes delivered by developers, maintaining records and databases of SuDS assets and features.
• Contribute to flood investigations, flood alleviation projects, SuDS retrofit schemes and natural flood management initiatives.
• Develop and update guidance, promote best practice and seek opportunities for innovation in drainage and flood risk management.
• Build strong working relationships with organisations such as Northumbrian Water, the Environment Agency, neighbouring authorities and developers.
• Promote sustainable development and help reduce flood risk whilst improving the natural environment for existing and future communities.

Join a specialist team where your technical expertise will help deliver greener, safer and more sustainable places.

What you will bring:

• Degree-level qualification in Environmental Management, Geography, Engineering, Hydrology or a related discipline, or Incorporated Engineer status, with membership of a relevant professional institute desirable.
• Strong technical knowledge of SuDS, hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, flood risk management, surface water management and adoption procedures.
• Experience reviewing drainage strategies and providing technical advice on surface water drainage and sustainable drainage solutions for developments.
• Experience working within flood risk management, landscape, highway or civil engineering environments, including preparation of SuDS guidance and drainage-related projects.
• Proficiency in ICT systems, GIS, Microsoft Office and drainage software packages such as MicroDrainage and Causeway Flow, with an understanding of CAD principles.
• Proven ability to work effectively with stakeholders, negotiate positive outcomes, mentor others and operate successfully within multi-disciplinary teams.
• Full UK driving licence and the ability to manage workload effectively while contributing to innovation, continuous improvement and sustainable environmental outcomes.

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.