Water Officer Fire & Rescue Service

Water Officer – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
(or other 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 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 impact on the operational capabilities of the service.

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.

• Act as the single point of contact for developers and planners regarding water supply requirements for new developments.
• Review and respond to planning applications to ensure adequate water supplies are available for new developments and preparedness for new and evolving infrastructure risks to the county.
• Lead and support the team of hydrant inspectors, helping to maintain and improve Suffolk’s hydrant network.
• Produce and oversee the hydrant maintenance programme.
• Liaise with water undertakers to coordinate repairs, installations, inspections and water supply arrangements.
• Ensure legislation such as the Fire Service Act 2004, Water Act 1960 and Town and Country Planning Act is applied correctly.
• Oversee departmental budgets and contribute to business planning and strategic development.
• Represent 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).
• Interpreting large volumes of information and data.
• 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.