Principal Engineer (Bridges and Structures)

at  Dorset Councils

You will have the opportunity to deliver new structures and maintenance projects from inception to completion of construction.
We challenge ourselves to work collaboratively with our communities to design and deliver services differently and you’ll be excited about the possibilities for developing and delivering innovative approaches to deliver projects and solve problems.
Delivering projects within Dorset will allow you to feel pride on the difference you have made to the county and how you have connected local communities. You’ll feel good seeing the difference you’re making every day and how you’re creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

You will be joining a friendly team, who openly support and develop each other, going out of our way to offer knowledge, time and practical help. A team that has won regional awards and commendations from the Institution of Civil Engineers,

• for a replacement footbridge at Charmouth Beach
• the replacement of a bridge deck at Haywards Main, Shillingstone
• and the sensitive rebuilding of a collapsed wall at Grade II listed Wool Bridge

We prioritise support, learning, development, and wellbeing across our workforce. We are committed to supporting your continual professional development and have a comprehensive development programme whatever the stage of your career. We are keen to support those who wish to obtain further professional qualifications.
We also positively encourage hybrid and flexible working that supports a healthy work-life balance.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO BE DOING:

Our priority is to deliver maintenance and replacement projects to ensure that Dorset’s bridges remain safe to use, supporting the local economy, active travel and recreation whilst being sensitive to the environment.
You will be taking a lead on delivering your own projects and mentor other members of the team delivering their own projects and working towards professional qualifications. There will be an element of line management required.
Maintaining and developing good working relationships with statutory bodies, local communities and their representatives will require excellent communication skills. You will need to collaborate closely with the operations team to ensure a steady stream of work is delivered for construction.
As a Principal Engineer within the team, you would be managing a small number of engineers ranging from undergraduate placements to those nearing chartered status.
On occasions, you will need to work with a term consultant to deliver projects that are of a specialist nature or require additional resources.
The majority of the work will be funded through the Local Transport Plan with additional funding coming from bids to corporate and national funds. You will need to manage expenditure against allocated budgets.

This role will involve the requirement to travel on an irregular basis.

• Consideration will also be given to experienced candidates near to becoming Chartered who can otherwise demonstrate the above requirements. In such cases full support will be given to obtaining Chartered status