Highways Development Officer

Job Title: Highways Development Officer
Location: Stevenage with hybrid working
Salary Range: £33,820 p/a + £3,441 Market Enhancement progressing to £37,261 p/a + £3,217 Market Enhancement
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent

Diversity: We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce

We are looking for a Development Officer specialising in providing highway responses to planning applications and a desire to influence sustainable development and ensuring the impacts of growth are managedThis is an exciting opportunity with involvement in interpreting transport policy and technical standards in order to deliver the formal advice of the County Council, as the statutory highway and transport authority. The role requires an ability to work in a collaborative manner with colleagues, private sector partners and Local Planning Authorities.

Purpose of the role:

As Highways Development Officer, you will provide professional and technical expertise to the Highways Development Management Team by undertaking discrete technical tasks, investigations, communications, consultations to support the achievement of the team’s business objectives.

Challenges & opportunities:

You will be:

• Considering, evaluating and reporting upon the transport implications of planning applications informally at pre-application stage and formally as part of the statutory response period when submitted
• Providing support to the process of negotiating with developers and their consultants on contributions to transportation infrastructure arising from development proposals and ensure these are properly secured through the completion of appropriate legal agreements
• Contributing to local development management intelligence to the production of spatial transport strategies
• Representing the County Council at meetings with private sector partners, District Council Planning Departments and at appeals (written reps/ informal)
• Involved with shaping future highway infrastructure provision to support the Government’s growth agenda at a local level
• Working with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver a quality service;
• Gaining an understanding of planning and highway law, including the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and Highways Act 1980

Technical skills and qualifications required for the role:

Essential:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Transport Planning, or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of Highway Development Management procedures and practices in a Local Authority environment
• Knowledge and experience of traffic and transportation design, highways and planning legislation
• Experience of working effectively and competently with people at all levels in an organisation
• Experience of working without supervision, effective time management skills and working to deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues displaying trust and respect to achieve results
• Clear, decisive and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn and support Senior colleagues where required
• Role requires a full and valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience of dealing with section 106, 38 and 278 agreements
• Experience in dealing with the public, Councillors and others on highway related matters

This role is a fantastic opportunity for an individual with relevant experience to further their knowledge in the highways sector where you will be considering development proposals involving local and strategic schemes to make Hertfordshire cleaner, greener and more sustainable.

Closing Date: Sunday 19th May 2024
Interview Date: W/C Monday 3rd June 2024