Coastal Engineer – Career Grade

We have an exciting opportunity for a Coastal Engineer to join our Coastal Service, supporting the delivery of the Council’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM) services across a varied and challenging coastline. You’ll help plan, design, procure and supervise our coastal engineering maintenance programme, working closely with our in-house Engineering Works team, while also contributing to major coastal projects and providing technical support across the wider Coastal Service.

Across 60 km of the New Forest coastline, we manage a diverse range of coastal defences, including rock and timber structures, seawalls, cliffs, and the dynamic barrier beach at Hurst Spit. In this role, you’ll be integral to both our day-to-day maintenance and monitoring operations and our long-term coastal defence projects. You’ll work alongside local authorities, the Environment Agency, and specialist technical consultants to help take forward projects arising from the recently adopted Christchurch Bay & Harbour FCERM Strategy and, following its adoption, the Hurst Spit to Lymington Strategy.

You’ll bring relevant experience from a coastal, engineering or environmental background, together with a good understanding of FCERM activities and procedures. Qualified to degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant environmental or engineering discipline, you’ll have sound contract management knowledge and a practical, problem-solving approach. Strong IT skills, including AutoCAD and GIS, accurate record-keeping and effective communication skills are essential, alongside good interpersonal skills and experience of stakeholder engagement.

Experience of engineering maintenance works and site supervision would be particularly valuable, while experience of Environment Agency business case development and partnership funding is desirable.

As part of our commitment to being a supportive and people‑centred employer, we offer a range of benefits designed to help you thrive both in and outside of work:

• £41,499 – £50,339 (career grade) per annum plus essential user car allowance £1,239. (up to £51,400 per annum for exceptional performance once in post)

• 27 - 28 days leave plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service

• Hybrid working, with flexibility across our sites, and home working

• Local Government Pension Scheme, with the option of Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs)

• Employee Assistance Programme offering free 24/7 legal, financial, and personal wellbeing advice

• Employee discount scheme with savings across major supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, and leisure providers

• Cycle to Work Scheme, helping you save around 40 percent on bikes and accessories

• A values‑led organisation, guided by our LEAF values (Learning, Empathy, Ambition, Fairness)

• Access to learning and development opportunities to support your growth

• A supportive, inclusive culture, where everyone is welcomed and valued

• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Group

• LGBTQ+ Network

• Women’s Network

• Early Careers Network

• Neurodiversity Network

At NFDC we recognise that every colleague - whether in operational, frontline, or office‑based roles - plays a vital part in delivering high‑quality services to our communities. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued for the work they do and the strengths they bring.

We aim to foster a culture where…