Senior Highways Officer

Job Title: Senior Highways Officer
Location: Stevenage with hybrid working
Salary Range: £45,441 p/a + £3033 Market Enhancement with the opportunity to progress to £50,512 p/a + £1804 Market Enhancement
Hours: 37 per week
Contract: Permanent

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

An opportunity has arisen to appoint a hardworking and self-motivated individual with a broad experience of Highways Development Management who will deal with providing the Highway Authority’s advice on Planning Applications to the Local Planning Authorities and deal with all aspects of processing S106, sponsoring Section 38 and 278 Agreements.

Purpose of the Role:

As Senior Highways Officer, you will provide professional and technical expertise within a team responsible for delivering highways and transportation sector services. You will be responsible for the management of staff, projects and the achievement of business objectives within the Development Management Team.

Challenges and opportunities:

You will be:

• Dealing with major planning applications referred to the County Council by the Local Planning Authorities
• Considering, evaluating and reporting upon the transport implications of major planning applications informally at pre-application stage and formally as part of the statutory response period when submitted
• Providing detailed technical advice in respect of County Council’s requirements of transport assessments
• Preparing reports as appropriate
• Attending meetings in connection with Development Management and other highway related matters, with Local Planning Authorities, Development Committees, meetings with the public, developers and other stakeholders
• Negotiating highway improvements and financial contributions to mitigate any adverse impacts of development proposals and to secure those improvements and/or developer contributions through the appropriate legal agreements. In addition, negotiating where appropriate commuted maintenance payments
• Preparing and presenting evidence at planning inquiries and legal hearings as an expert witness to defend the interests of the highway authority
• Working collaboratively across organisational boundaries to solve problems and meet common objectives
• Ensuring that work is carried out in accordance with County Council policies, procedures and standards
• Supervising, overseeing and providing advice to Development Management officers in the team
• Working in a political environment and dealing with Members

Technical, Skills & Qualifications required for the role:

Essential:

• A degree in Civil Engineering or Transport Planning, or equivalent experience
• Experience of dealing with Major Planning Applications and working to tight deadlines
• Experience in dealing with the public, Councillors and others on highway related matters
• Ability to make decisions and solve problems to meet HCC Policies and Standards
• Working with the minimum amount of supervision
• Knowledge and experience of negotiating financial contributions, and dealing with section 106 agreements and section 278 agreements
• Role requires a full and valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:

• Extensive knowledge of Highway Development Management procedures and practices in a Local Authority environment
• 5 years or more experience in Highways Development Management
• Experience of dealing with Appeals and Public Inquiries
• In depth working knowledge of Trip Rate Information Computer System (TRICS) - the industry’s national data base for trip generation
• Experience working at senior level and managing direct reports

This position is key in delivering Hertfordshire’s vision of a cleaner, greener and safe environment. It embraces the principles of Hertfordshire’s Local Transport Plan 4, as well as national planning policies, to ensure high quality transport infrastructure is implemented as part of new developments. The role is varied, and you will have the opportunity to broaden your skills through training and development to support your progression in the highways sector.

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