Senior Development and Flood Risk Officer
Permanent, Full Time
£37,559 to £44,186 per annum
Location: Chelmsford*
Working Style: Anywhere worker
Closing Date: 26th February 2026
*This is a hybrid-working role contractually based in Chelmsford. You will work from our Chelmsford office at least one day per month and across our operational area on other days, depending on business need. This could be discussed further at interview.
Essex is committed to enabling inclusive economic growth, helping people get the best start and age well, helping create great places to grow up, live and work and transforming the Council to achieve more with less.
The Senior Development and Flood Risk Officer will ensure that SuDS applications are logged, fully consulted on, assessed and delivered on time, to enable the Council to meet its responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The role will also be expected to carry out the checking of applications, supporting the team in discussion and negotiations with developers and local authorities.
With detailed knowledge and understanding of the scope of the SuDS responsibilities as a statutory consultee, able to deliver the role in line with the regulations, guidance and legislation for sustainable development and best practice. This role will require experience of water-related law, regulation and policy, statutory planning and SuDS approval processes.
Accountabilities
Determine major applications and maintain the applications database/case management system.
Ensure colleagues in Flood and Water Management, Place Services, Natural Environment, Highways Maintenance, Development Management and other relevant agencies are consulted on SuDS applications.
Review applications, ensuring they meet National Standards and the Council’s SuDS policies, negotiating with developers, designers etc.
Maintain a strong awareness of countywide infrastructure and economic growth agendas, acting as the key link to Spatial Planning to inform the local plan process
Deliver advice and guidance to potential SuDS schemes with developers before applications are submitted.
Work collaboratively with the Development and Flood Risk Manager to inform decisions approval of SuDS applications.
Deliver advice at SuDS appeals, inquiries and hearings, preparing detailed evidence and liaising with Counsel and solicitors during case preparation.
Contribute to the procurement and management of external contracts for SuDS maintenance.
Apply national legislation, guidance and leading edge practice within the Council. Developing strong networks of colleagues across partner organisations to share best practice and learning.
Specific individual and shared targets and objectives are defined annually within the performance management framework.
The Experience You Will Bring
Educated to degree level in a relevant subject and/or alternative professional qualification.
Evidence of continuing professional development with an expert knowledge of professional area.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of SuDS guidance and legislation for sustainable development and best practice.
Experience and understanding of water-related law, regulation and policy, statutory planning and SuDS approval processes.
Risk-based approach to asset management.
Significant experience of SuDS, ideally from an approval, if not from a maintenance perspective.
Experience of drainage design and analysis software systems (e.g.Micro Drainage) and knowledge of data management.
Ability to build networks of contacts and maintain effective relationships across the Council and with partner organisations in the public and private sector, utilising good customer service and excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
To read more about us please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services - Working for Essex
Why Essex? Essex County Council has a location to be proud of. Our 1,300 square miles stretch from Constable Country to the Thames Estuary, from the dynamic M11 corridor to the traditional seaside resorts of Clacton and Walton. England’s oldest town, Colchester, and two of its newest – Basildon and Harlow – are right here. Along with the City of Chelmsford, the county town, they form our major population centres. It means real choice and makes Essex the ideal place for your career. Read more about us here.
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process.
We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
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If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk
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