Flood and Climate Resilience Senior Technician

Senior Technician - Flood & Climate Resilience Management

Salary: C3 £32,061 - £33,699

Hours: 37 hours

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House, Knowsthorpe Gate, Waterside and Hybrid

Could you make a difference to the future of our city?

The impacts of a changing climate are challenging for countries and cities across the world. The Flood & Climate Resilience Management (FCRM) team here in Leeds is doing innovative and important work to make Leeds a more climate resilient city. If you’re motivated to help protect Leeds from the impacts of climate change both now and in the future, we’d love for you to join us.

As a Technician within the Flood Climate Resilience Management (FCRM) Maintenance Team, you will play a vital operational role in protecting communities, infrastructure, and the environment from flood risk.

This is a hands‑on, varied, and highly impactful role, focused on the inspection, maintenance, and improvement of critical drainage and flood risk assets across the city. From culverts and watercourses to drainage systems and flood alleviation schemes, you will be at the forefront of ensuring these assets are safe, effective, and resilient—particularly as the impacts of climate change continue to intensify.

The role is not just about maintaining infrastructure; it is about taking a proactive, preventative approach to flood risk management. You will identify issues before they escalat, deliver maintenance programmes, and contribute to practical engineering solutions that reduce risk and improve long‑term resilience.

Working closely with internal teams, contractors, and external partners, you will manage both planned and reactive works, respond to flood incidents, and help ensure the Council meets its statutory responsibilities as a Lead Local Flood Authority.

This is an excellent opportunity to be involved in the day‑to‑day delivery of flood risk management, where your work has a direct and visible impact on local communities. Whether responding to storm events, progressing maintenance schemes, or improving asset performance, your contribution will be essential in safeguarding the city.

Leeds is a growing, vibrant, and diverse city, and Leeds City Council is the second largest local authority in England, as well as being an inclusive, modern, and flexible employer. We are also one of the largest employers in the region, with over 14,000 employees. We are committed to attracting and developing talented individuals who share our values and ambition to deliver high‑quality services for our residents.

Joining the FCRM Maintenance Team means becoming part of a dedicated and collaborative service, working at the heart of climate resilience and playing a key role in protecting the city now and for the future.

About You

• Knowledge and experience of drainage and flood risk assets, including maintenance and inspection of culverts, watercourses, and drainage systems.
• A practical understanding of flood risk management, particularly the importance of proactive and reactive maintenance.
• The ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, with colleagues, contractors, and the public.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, especially in responding to flooding and drainage issues.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, balancing planned maintenance and emergency response work effectively.

About The Role

• We have an opportunity to join the Flood & Climate Resilience Management Maintenance Team.
• This is a practical and varied role, focused on the inspection, maintenance, and repair of drainage and flood risk assets across the city. You will support both planned maintenance and reactive responses to flooding, helping to reduce risk to communities and infrastructure.
• Working with colleagues, contractors, and partners, you will deliver effective solutions to drainage issues and contribute to keeping systems operating safely and efficiently.
• Flooding is an increasing challenge due to climate change, and this role is key to ensuring a proactive and resilient approach to managing and maintaining flood assets.

What We Offer You

• a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
• flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
• a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.

If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To support the management, inspection, maintenance, and improvement of flood risk management assets across the city, helping to reduce the risk of flooding to people, property, businesses, and infrastructure.

The postholder will deliver proactive maintenance programmes for flood alleviation schemes, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), watercourses, drainage infrastructure, and associated climate resilience assets. The role will contribute to the Council's ambitions for climate adaptation, sustainability, biodiversity enhancement, and resilient infrastructure.

Principal Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the Council's Flood Risk Management Strategy and Climate Resilience objectives.
• Develop, implement, and monitor maintenance programmes for flood risk management assets.
• Carry out inspections, condition assessments, and performance reviews of drainage and flood defence infrastructure.
• Assist with prioritising maintenance and improvement works based on risk, asset condition, and available funding.
• Support emergency response activities during flooding incidents and severe weather events.
• Ensure assets are maintained in accordance with statutory duties, best practice guidance, and health and safety requirements.
• Contribute to improving the resilience of communities, infrastructure, and public spaces to climate change impacts.
• Support delivery of the Council's Net Zero, Biodiversity, and Sustainable Drainage objectives.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion, and excellent customer service in all aspects of work.
• Work collaboratively with internal services, local communities, developers, water companies, the Environment Agency, and other stakeholders.

Specific Responsibilities

Asset Management

• Maintain accurate records of flood risk and drainage assets using GIS and asset management systems.
• Undertake routine and reactive inspections of:
• Flood alleviation schemes
• Culverts and watercourses
• Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
• Attenuation basins and ponds
• Pumping stations
• Surface water drainage infrastructure
• Identify defects and prepare maintenance specifications and schedules.
• Support asset performance monitoring and lifecycle planning.

Maintenance Delivery

• Oversee maintenance contractors and ensure works are completed safely, efficiently, and to required standards.
• Monitor contractor performance against KPIs, budgets, and service standards.
• Support procurement and management of maintenance contracts.
• Prepare technical reports, maintenance plans, risk assessments, and project documentation.
• Assist in the development and implementation of maintenance strategies and operational procedures.

Flood Risk & Climate Resilience

• Support investigations into flooding and drainage issues.
• Contribute to resilience planning and climate adaptation initiatives.
• Assist with the implementation of nature-based solutions and sustainable drainage measures.
• Provide technical advice regarding flood risk, drainage maintenance, and asset resilience.
• Support the Council's duties as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
• Health and Safety at Work Act
• CDM Regulations
• Environmental legislation
• Flood and Water Management Act 2010
• Land Drainage Act 1991
• Corporate policies and procedures
• Undertake site inspections and ensure safe systems of work are followed.

Emergency Response

• Participate in flood incident response arrangements.
• Support out-of-hours emergency response when required.
• Assist in post-event investigations and lessons learned reviews.

Essential Requirements

Knowledge And Experience

• Knowledge of flood risk management principles.
• Knowledge of drainage systems and maintenance practices.
• Understanding of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS).
• Understanding of climate adaptation and resilience principles.
• Experience of asset inspection and maintenance programmes.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and workloads.
• Awareness of relevant legislation affecting flood and drainage assets.

Skills

• Ability to analyse technical information and provide practical solutions.
• Ability to prepare clear reports and maintenance records.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Competent use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage contractors and service providers.

Personal Attributes

• Customer‑focused approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement.
• Flexible and adaptable attitude.
• Professional and proactive approach to work.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Behavioural And Other Characteristics Required

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
• Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
• Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
• Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
• Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
• Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
• The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters

Experience

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within local government, water industry, highways, environmental management, or flood risk organisations.
• Experience using asset management systems or GIS software.
• Experience managing maintenance contracts.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of:
• Flood and Water Management Act 2010
• Land Drainage Act 1991
• Climate Change Act
• Reservoirs Act (where applicable)
• Environmental permitting requirements
• Understanding of natural flood management techniques.

Skills

• Experience using GIS and mapping software.
• Experience using drainage or hydraulic modelling packages.
• Budget monitoring experience.

Behavioural And Other Characteristics

• Demonstrate Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours.
• Contribute to the Best City Ambition and Climate Emergency commitments.
• Promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Support the delivery of inclusive growth and healthy communities.
• Work collaboratively across services and partner organisations.
• Participate in performance management, training, and development activities.
• Challenge inappropriate behaviour and support a respectful workplace culture.
• Maintain professional standards and ethical conduct at all times.

Additional Requirements

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Ability to attend site inspections across the city.
• Willingness to participate in emergency flood response arrangements.
• Ability to work occasionally outside normal office hours when operationally required.

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