Community Highways Officer

We are looking for two Community Highways Officers to join the Community Highways Team, one based in the North of Dorset and one in the West of Dorset.

The community highways team are the first point of contact, for all stakeholders including, members of the Public, Parish/Town Councils and Elected Members, when reporting defects or other highway-related issues.

The team carry out regular highway inspections recording safety defects and identifying maintenance issues to fulfil our duty under the Highways Act 1980 and maintain our Section 58 defence relating to highway claims against the council.

Engaging with residents and landowners on enforcement issues which impact the highway and public safety, such as overhanging vegetation, clearing obstructions, etc.

Each area team have small capital budgets to help resolve some local issues, such as minor traffic management, small drainage repairs and installing pedestrian dropped crossing points in liaison with local disabled groups.

Several services require a licence to carry out activities on the highway, such as sitting out, skips and scaffolding. These licence applications are assessed and approved by the community highways team.

• Providing technical advice and support to both colleagues and to our customers
• Ensuring that the highway is safe and available for the enjoyment of our customers
• Attending meetings with local councillors and residents on highway related issues
• Ensuring that we fulfil our duties under the 1980 highways act
• Carrying out inspections on the public highway ensuring deadlines are met
• Representing the council in court as and when required
• Assessing and granting some highway licensing
• Liaising with Town and Parish Councils on highway matters

You will be responsible for PC, handheld communication device e.g. mobile phone and associated equipment and other specialised technical equipment as and when required.

You will be representing the council in highway matters yet at the same time ensuring that the customers viewpoints and concerns are understood by other stakeholders.

You will be working as part of a team, offering advice, guidance, and providing detailed assessments to colleagues when dealing with more complex issues and undertaking some public consultation and liaising with local communities

• You are able to work within a team environment with ability to advise others
• You have confident manners and good interpersonal skills
• Adaptable to change
• Excellent customer service skills
• You are able to follow procedures and evaluate problems
• Good communication skills, both written and oral
• You are good with your own time management with ability to meet deadlines
• You have experience in the use of IT