Coastal Erosion Risk Lead

The Cumbria County Council; Penrith, Kendal; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in England is seeking a Coastal Erosion Risk Lead Officer to manage coastal strategies and ensure effective risk mitigation. The successful candidate will lead stakeholder engagement, secure funding, and oversee projects that address coastal risks. Key responsibilities include developing local strategies, preparing risk assessments, and navigating regulatory processes. The position requires strong communication skills and a solid understanding of coastal processes. A competitive compensation package and benefits are offered by the Council.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Various perks and discounts

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of erosion and flood risk.
• Experience preparing funding bids.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and review local coastal strategies.
• Identify and assess coastal risks.
• Prepare pre-capital products: risk assessments, business cases.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and public consultations.
• Secure regulatory compliance with relevant bodies.

Skills

Knowledge of coastal processes

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Technical leadership

Education

Relevant degree in environmental science or related field

Job description

About this opportunity

Westmorland & Furness Council is seeking a Coastal Erosion Risk Lead Officer to drive our coastal strategy and turn evidence into action. Sitting within the Flood & Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) Service, you will lead the early stages of high-impact, politically sensitive coastal schemes and set the direction for delivery in line with the Shoreline Management Plan and the National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy.

You will provide expert advice, coordinate pre-capital activities, shape funding bids (including Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid), and lead multi-agency engagement so that well-prepared schemes transfer smoothly into the capital programme. The role combines technical leadership on coastal processes with strong programme, stakeholder, and governance skills.

What you’ll do

• Lead development and review of local coastal strategies and policies aligned to the Shoreline Management Plan and national FCERM strategy.
• Identify and assess coastal risks (including climate impacts), develop adaptive/resilience options, and recommend priorities for investment.
• Prepare and quality-assure pre-capital products: early risk assessments, options appraisal, business case inputs, and approvals.
• Coordinate handover of well-prepared schemes into the capital programme with the Lead Officer and delivery partners.
• Lead stakeholder engagement: public consultations, community resilience initiatives, task groups, and technical partnerships.
• Represent the Council in regional/national coastal forums, ensuring local priorities influence policy and funding.
• Oversee inspections and records for flood and coastal assets; advise on maintenance and intervention planning.
• Secure regulatory compliance (e.g. Coastal Protection Act 1949), working with the Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation, and Natural England to obtain necessary consents.
• Develop funding bids (e.g. FDGiA, regional resilience funds), maximising value and alignment with criteria.
• Monitor and interpret coastal data (erosion trends, sea level change) to inform reports, briefings, and engagement materials.
• Provide timely advice to senior managers, elected Members, and the public; supervise and mentor staff and manage small operational budgets.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for a strategic, technically capable leader who can translate complex coastal science and policy into deliverable projects that protect communities and assets. You will bring a strong understanding of coastal processes, erosion and flood risk, and the ability to operate confidently in politically sensitive environments. Skilled at building relationships, you will be comfortable working with regulators, elected Members, contractors, and communities to find practical, consensus-based solutions. You will have experience of leading multi-disciplinary work, preparing funding bids, and navigating statutory consent processes. Above all, you will combine technical expertise with clear communication, sound judgement, and a commitment to delivering resilient, sustainable outcomes for our coastline.

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments.

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue and timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Safer Recruitment

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.