Engineer - Bridges and Structures

You will have the opportunity to deliver new structures and maintenance projects from inception to completion of construction.

 We challenge ourselves to work collaboratively with our communities to design and deliver services differently and you’ll be excited about the possibilities for developing and delivering innovative approaches to deliver projects and solve problems.

 Delivering projects within Dorset will allow you to feel pride on the difference you have made to the county and how you have connected local communities. You’ll feel good seeing the difference you’re making every day and how you’re creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

 You will be joining a friendly team, who openly support and develop each other, going out of our way to offer knowledge, time and practical help. A team that has won regional awards and commendations from the Institution of Civil Engineers,

• for a replacement footbridge at Charmouth Beach
• the replacement of a bridge deck at Haywards Main, Shillingstone
• and the sensitive rebuilding of a collapsed wall at Grade II listed Wool Bridge

We prioritise support, learning, development, and wellbeing across our workforce. We are committed to supporting your continual professional development and have a comprehensive development programme whatever the stage of your career. We are keen to support those who wish to obtain further professional qualifications.  Dorset Council operates an ICE Training scheme and applicants will be encouraged to join the scheme.

We also positively encourage hybrid and flexible working that supports a healthy work-life balance.

 What you can expect to be doing:

The projects range from the repair of small culverts, working on listed structures and slope stabilisation projects to creation of new structures.

Our priority is to deliver maintenance and replacement projects to ensure that Dorset's bridges remain safe to use, supporting the local economy, active travel and recreation whilst being sensitive to the environment.

The Engineer role will require you to deliver your own projects, supported by more experienced members of the team and could include working with a term consultant to deliver projects that are of a specialist nature or require additional resources.

Maintaining and developing good working relationships with statutory bodies, local communities and their representatives will require excellent communication skills. You will need to collaborate closely with the in-house operations team to ensure a steady stream of work is delivered for construction.

 The majority of the work will be funded through the Local Transport Plan with additional funding coming from bids to corporate and national funds. You will need to manage expenditure against allocated budgets.

 About you:

• a degree in civil or structural engineering or an HNC in Civil or structural engineering and relevant experience
• the desire to gain practical knowledge of design and undertaking of structural calculations in accordance with Eurocodes and National Annexes
• the ability to manage your own time and projects within a local authority environment in accordance with health and safety legislation
• confidence and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• the ability and experience in the use of CAD and/or a strong desire to become proficient in the use of Autocad.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate written and spoken English is essential for the post.

Travel Requirement - this role will involve the requirement to travel on an irregular basis. A driving licence is essential.

Applications will be considered from both engineers with experience and for those graduating in the summer 2026.  (A suitable start date can be agreed to accommodate applicants graduating in summer 2026.)

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Simon Arscott on 01305 225383 or [email protected]

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We:

• provide essential services that support over 300,000 residents
• work in partnership to make a real difference
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive

You will:

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset
• have access to a range of benefits and support
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve.

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible, if you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application.

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us.

Find out more about how to apply.