Water Officer

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
  (orother locations for work include Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds and Hybrid working)
• Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

We're passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Water Officer in our Protection Team within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Reimagine the possibilities.

As our Water Officer, you'll play a vital part in ensuring Suffolk has the water infrastructure needed for effective firefighting. Every day, you'll work closely with planners, developers, water companies and our own hydrant inspection teams to help keep communities safe.

• acting as the single point of contact for developers and planners regarding water supply requirements for new developments
• reviewing and responding to planning applications, ensuring new infrastructure supports firefighting needs
• leading and supporting the team of hydrant inspectors, helping to maintain and improve Suffolk's hydrant network
• producing and overseeing Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service's hydrant maintenance programme
• liaising with water undertakers to coordinate repairs, installations, inspections and water supply arrangements
• ensuring legislation such as the Fire Service Act 2004, Water Act 1960 and Town and Country Planning Act is applied correctly
• overseeing departmental budgets and contribute to business planning and strategic development
• representing the Service in key internal and external forums, such as S106 working groups and NFCC national meetings

Your work will directly contribute to ensuring firefighters always have access to the water they need when they need it.

• A Level 4 qualification in Business Management (or equivalent experience)
• strong organisational skills to manage consultations, data, and operational programmes
• the ability to lead and support a team, providing clear guidance and direction
• excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor technical information for different audiences
• confidence in managing relationships with external partners, negotiating positive outcomes, and resolving complaints constructively
• knowledge of the legislation relating to water for firefighting and planning frameworks
• the ability to prepare reports, risk assessments and present information to stakeholders.

• project management experience
• NEBOSH certificate (desirable).

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

You'll join a supportive and dedicated team within the Protection function of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Working alongside inspecting officers, technical specialists and planning partners, we take pride in ensuring the safety of communities across Suffolk.

We work collaboratively, share ideas, and support each other to deliver the best outcomes for the county. Our work matters, and you'll see the direct impact of everything you do.

Hybrid working is supported, and office days are typically based at Endeavour House. Other locations for work also included Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

We're big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We're always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report
.

Please contact Ann…