Community Highways Officer

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.

What you will be doing:

• 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, hand held communication device e.g. mobile phone and associated equipment and other specialised technical equipment as and when required
• Representing the council in highway matters yet at the same time ensuring that the customers view points and concerns are understood by other stakeholders.
• Working as part of a team, offering advice, guidance, and providing detailed assessments to colleagues when dealing with more complex issues
• Undertaking some public consultation and liaising with local communities

About you:

• Are you able to work within a team environment with ability to advise others?
• Do you have confident manner and good interpersonal skills?
• Are you adaptable to change?
• Do you have excellent customer service skills?
• Are you able to follow procedures and evaluate problems?
• Do you have good communication skills, both written and oral?
• Are you good with your own time management with ability to meet deadlines?
• Do you have experience in use of IT?

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.