Flood Risk Engineer

Wlma; Norwich, Martham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A water management authority in Norwich is seeking a Flood Risk Engineer to support maintenance programs and work on environmental engineering projects. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and have at least two years of experience in the water or construction industry. The role involves liaising with stakeholders and producing technical drawings using AutoCAD. An attractive salary of £30,000 to £35,000, coupled with a comprehensive benefits package, awaits the successful applicant.

Benefits

Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme

Private Medical Scheme

24-29 days holiday depending on service

Essential Car User Allowance of £255/month

Qualifications

• A relevant degree or HND/HNC in an engineering, geographical or water management-related subject OR significant relevant industry experience.
• Membership with a professional accreditation body (e.g., ICE, CIWEM)
• A minimum of two years’ experience working in a technical role within the water or construction industry.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the development and delivery of maintenance programs.
• Liaising with landowners and 3rd parties on the Board plans for work.
• Assisting with the running of the drainage boards within the Eastern region.

Skills

Ability to use computer software

Well-developed communication skills

Ability to work independently

Knowledge of drainage and flood management

Ability to produce technical drawings using AutoCAD

Education

Relevant degree or HND/HNC in engineering or water management

Membership with a professional accreditation body

Construction site safety qualifications

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS software

Job description

Full-time Permanent Contract (37 hours per week) - Based at Norwich or Martham, Norfolk

Salary £30,000 to £35,000 pa (dependent upon Qualifications and Experience) plus attractive benefits package including:

• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (Norfolk Pension Fund)
• Private Medical Scheme
• 24 days holiday (rising to 29 days with continuous service), plus Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and Bank Holidays
• Essential Car User Allowance of £255.00 per month

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Flood Risk Engineer to join the Water Management Alliance (WMA) Group of Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs). Internal Drainage Boards ("IDBs") are local public authorities that manage flood risk and land drainage.

The Water Management Alliance (WMA) is a group of like-minded Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs) who share vision, values and standards and have chosen to jointly administer their affairs in order to reduce costs, strengthen their own organisations and increase influence at both regional and national level.

IDBs undertake a vast range of vital work to reduce flood risk and manage water in a way that meets the local needs of residents, businesses and agriculture in accordance with their environmental duties whilst enhancing the ecological wellbeing of their districts.

Working in the East of England, this is a fantastic opportunity for a career in water engineering management. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is willing to learn and be a part of a hard-working team.

The Flood Risk Engineer is a key part of the operations team. The purpose of the role is to support the Operations Managers in the development and delivery maintenance programs, and to work with the Partnership Project Engineers and Area Manager provide engineering and practical input projects that improve the function or environment of the area.

For more information about the role or the WMA please see our website www.wlma.org.uk or contact Tom Hunter on 01553 819600.

To apply, please submit your CV with a covering letter explaining why you are a suitable candidate to [e-mail].

Closing date for receipt of applications: Monday 05 January 2026

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

• Assessing the requirement for work based on the maintenance programmes for the relevant Board
• Developing AutoCAD drawings and safety paperwork
• Being involved in the briefing of work on site and managing the delivery of routine maintenance on the ground
• Liaising with landowners and 3rd parties on the Board plans for work
• Being involved in the delivery of environmental engineering projects, such as river restorations and improvements, as well as other civil engineering work. This will also include assisting with budgeting and tendering activities and monitoring work on site.
• Providing support on all engineering and operations delivery matters.
• Assisting with the running of the drainage boards within the Eastern region. This will include involvement with the maintenance, repair and replacement of the Boards assets.
• Delivery of work on site and in the workshop, in a safe, lawful and competent manner in accordance with the Board’s procedures, policies and standards. Lead by example and be involved in the continuous improvement of the standards we work to.
• Involvement with the preparation and promoting of grant applications/work programmes for submission to DEFRA/EA and other bodies.
• Working with partners, community groups and stakeholders to design and deliver successful projects and work programmes.
• Liaising with Finance and Operations Delivery team to assist in the preparation of budgets.
• Preparing work in line with work programmes and liaising with the Operations Manager and Technical Support team accordingly.
• Responding at times of emergency, as and when necessary or required.
• Dealing with queries, undertaking routine correspondence and liaising with the public.
• Assisting with the preparation of reports for Board meetings and representing the Boards at attending internal and external meetings as and when required.
• Preparing ad hoc reports, completing forms and responding to various requests for information as required.
• Maintaining and updating databases, the asset registers, asset condition assessments, sundry records. Liaising with the Data Manager to this end.
• Liaising with the Environmental Team to obtain assent from Natural England prior to undertaking works, as necessary, ensuring work programmes are designed and timed to be undertaken appropriately within the law.
• Liaising with the ICT Team to maintain the integrity of all data relating to the Boards’ drainage infrastructure.
• Working closely with other Area Managers and Project Delivery Teams both internal and external to the Water Management Alliance to share best practice.
• Providing technical support cover elsewhere within the Water Management Alliance, as and when required by the Area Manager.
• Keeping knowledge current and up to date, by way of continuous professional development (CPD). Time and access to relevant training courses will be provided, however you will also be expected to invest a significant amount of your own time.
• Carrying out specific projects, research and any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Area Manager, the Chief Executive or the Board.

Person Specification:

Qualifications / Experience:

• A relevant degree or HND/HNC in an engineering, geographical or water management-related subject OR significant relevant industry experience.
• Membership with a professional accreditation body (e.g. ICE, CIWEM)
• A master’s degree in an engineering, geographical or water management-related subject
• Chartership status with a professional accreditation body (e.g. ICE or CIWEM).
• Construction site safety qualifications (e.g. CSCS card, SMSTS, IOSH)

Experience:

• A minimum of two years’ experience working in a technical role within the water or construction industry, a Local Authority or a risk management authority such as the Environment Agency.
• Experience liaising, corresponding and negotiating with a variety of stakeholders.
• Experience in producing technical drawings
• Experience interpreting plans, model outputs and other technical information
• Experience working with land drainage engineering techniques and surface water management.
• Experience in managing projects, budgets, consultants and public expectation
• Experience in producing basic bills of quantities and cost estimates
• Experience in producing method statements and risk assessments

Skills/Knowledge:

• Ability to competently use computer software such as Microsoft packages
• Ability to analyse, interpret and communicate complex material, as well as having a methodical approach to work, demonstrating an attention to detail as well as accuracy in record keeping.
• Well-developed written and spoken communication skills (including letter writing, presentation skills and interpersonal communication).
• Ability to work well with others both internally and externally
• Ability to prioritise effectively and organise workloads to meet deadlines and to remain calm under pressure.
• Awareness of Health and Safety and Environmental legislation and regulation
• A full and valid driving licence.
• Ability to work independently
• Outcome focused and able to provide practical solutions to complex issues.
• Enthusiastic, positive, willing to learn and to take the opportunities presented to them.
• Ability to produce technical drawings using AutoCAD software
• Knowledge of GIS software
• Ability to collect data and set out using survey equipment
• Knowledge of drainage, flood and coastal defence and water level management.
• Understanding of CDM regulations

Other Job Information:

• You must be physically fit to walk around watercourse and drainage catchments sometimes in inclement weather conditions. Such areas are potentially difficult to access, dirty, remote and/or subject to dense vegetation.
• On occasion the post holder will be expected to work outside of ‘normal’ office hours to represent the Water Management Alliance and its member Boards at public meetings, events and committees.
• All work performed/duties undertaken must be carried out in accordance with relevant Water Management Alliance, Board and Departmental policies
• 24 days holiday, rising in increments to 29 days after 6 years continuous service (plus Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and typically 8 days Bank Holiday)
• Private Medical Scheme
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (Norfolk Pension Fund)