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Job description

Thank you for your interest in this Principal Professional & Technical Officer (PPTO) Civil Engineer post within the Rivers Directorate of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). Rivers Directorate’s vision is to manage the flood risk to facilitate the social, economic and environmental development of Northern Ireland. Our aim is to reduce risk to life, livelihoods, and the local environment as a result of flooding from rivers and the sea. From the mapping and modelling of potential flooding to the construction and maintenance of flood risk management and drainage infrastructure, the work that our staff undertake has a direct impact on citizens’ lives and livelihoods. As Climate Change increases the likelihood of severe weather events and flooding in Northern Ireland, this will only become more important. We currently employ over 350 staff across 6 offices and depots throughout Northern Ireland. Whether in industrial or non-industrial roles, professional, technical, or administrative, our people bring a wide range of skills, experience, and commitment to their work within the Department. The nature of DfI’s responsibilities requires a strong focus on outcomes and a collaborative approach. This includes working closely with other government departments, district councils, and a broad range of external stakeholders. The postholder will therefore need to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries and engage constructively with elected representatives to deliver results. If you are seeking a new challenge and a rewarding, purposeful role, I warmly welcome your interest and wish you every success with your application.

Responsibilities

• General Flood Risk Management, Target monitoring and reporting.
• Business Unit Safety Checks, Work cooperatively with other Business Units, Train staff / business unit training plans, Administer Drainage Order legislation, Report to the Senior Management Team.
• Manage and promote the importance of the department policies on H&S, Manage procurement within delegated limits, Comply with all good governance requirements.
• Manage Industrial workforce, Management of industrial workforce of over 100 posts delivering maintenance of both open and culverted watercourses in an environmentally sensitive manner, Inspection of inlet screens and emergency flood response.
• Leadership in industrial management including Union engagement through Joint Industrial Council (JIC) and Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).
• Manage contracts to a value exceeding approx. £1.5M per annum, Emergency Planning, Attend local emergency planning group meetings.
• Contribute to implementation and revision of emergency response documents, Oversee the management of water levels in Lough Erne and Lough Neagh.
• Emergency Response Lead the region’s emergency response to flooding and severe weather events.
• This includes ‘out of hours’ liaison with multi agency partners and emergency services as well as coordination of plant,
• equipment and staff during the emergency response which can be for extended durations across the night and weekends as well as during holiday periods.
• Professional and Technical Development, Application of the Department’s Health and Safety management system.
• Continued professional development through formal courses and local development opportunities through attendances at meetings/seminars/professional groups etc.
• Machinery of government. Timely responses to requests for information from Private Office. Engagement and timely responses to local elected representatives.
• Attendance at meetings with elected representatives, councils, MLA’s and also advising Minister as required.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Applicants must have, by the closing date for applications: Have at least a Level 3 BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Civil Engineering or equivalent,
• And Have a minimum of 8 years’ post-qualification civil engineering experience, relevant to the key responsibilities, such as flood risk management, emergency planning and response, management of operational and industrial workforces,
• contract and financial management, health and safety, stakeholder engagement and governance.
• And Have at least 3 years post qualification experience of leading a team of staff and managing resources in a Civil Engineering environment,
• And A current driving licence valid for driving in Northern Ireland and access to a vehicle which will permit them to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Further Information

NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 6th November at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. For guidance on completing the Monitoring Form and to read the NICS Equal Opportunities Policy Statement please refer to the DoF website www.finance-ni.gov.uk. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC331632)