Structures Engineer at ORC External

• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Phoenix House, Ipswich IP1 5NP - Hybrid working
• Salary: £40,777 - £47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week - flexible working options available 
• Contract: Permanent X 2 posts

This advert is open to current Suffolk County Council staff only.

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As a Structures Engineer in the Infrastructure Management team you’ll see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Join us and turn your passion for progress into action.  Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities 

You'll be working within the team responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and construction of highway structures, working in collaboration with the Highway Services Contractor and their supply chain partners. The team is responsible for inspecting and assessing a wide range of structures throughout the County and for prioritising, developing and implementing maintenance and strengthening works required to ensure that structures remain safe for use and fit for purpose.  The work requires collaboration with a wide range of other teams and organisations, both internal and external, to ensure the successful delivery of the service.  In addition to taking personal responsibility for your own work the role also involves guiding and supporting other technicians and colleagues working alongside you. 

You will need: 

• level 6 qualification (e.g. BSc, Beng degree or equivalent) in civil or structural engineering

• hold Engineering Technician status and/or working towards Incorporated Engineer status

• knowledge of structural behaviour and experience in the inspection, design, assessment and management of such

• experience of bridge and structures design management over a reasonable time period

• experience in successfully delivering a range of bridge or structures projects

• knowledge, awareness and practical application of bridge and structural design, inspection and maintenance techniques, including the appropriate application of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges and other relevant structural codes of practice and guidance

• understanding of relevant health and safety legislation and codes of practice (including the CDM Regulations 2015)

• ability to plan, prioritise, manage own workload on a day-by-day basis to meet timescales and budgets

• good communication skills (in person and in writing) with an ability to build relationships and interact effectively with stakeholders.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word).  If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application. 

The team 

Suffolk Highways is a collaboration between Suffolk County Council and private sector service provider(s) to meet the primary objective of maintaining the highway network and infrastructure in Suffolk. 

We work together to achieve the best that we can and support one another in our work as one team. We look ahead so that we may better inspire each other to continually improve and take pride in what we do and the service that we provide to our customers.

We make things happen by empowering, encouraging and motivating our colleagues and by showing respect to all people that we work with and for

We collaborate and work as one team to provide the best possible highways service for Suffolk.

Empowering Everyone 

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information 

Please contact Colin Godfrey for a casual conversation. You can reach him by calling 07733 318145 or emailing [email protected].

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word). 

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template. 

1. Tell us about a situation where you worked collaboratively with colleagues or external partners to deliver a successful outcome on a project. What was your role?

2. Can you share an example of how you introduced a new idea or improved a process in your work as an engineer? What was the result?

3. Describe a time when you identified and managed health and safety risks during a bridge or structure inspection or project.

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. 

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process. 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process. 

Closing date: 11.30pm, 21 September 2025. 

Interview date: Week commencing 29 September 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.  #LI-Hybrid 

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).