Community Highways Officer

Role Overview

Dorset Council is seeking two Community Highways Officers to join the Community Highways Team, with one position based in North Dorset and the other in West Dorset. These officers act as the initial contact point for residents, parish and town councils, as well as elected representatives regarding highway-related concerns and defect reports.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular inspections of highways to identify safety defects and maintenance needs, supporting compliance with the Highways Act 1980 and maintaining the council's Section 58 defence against highway claims.
• Engage proactively with local residents and landowners regarding enforcement matters impacting highway safety such as overgrown vegetation and obstructions.
• Manage area budgets for minor capital projects including traffic management improvements, drainage repairs, and the installation of pedestrian dropped crossing points in collaboration with local disability groups.
• Assess and authorize highway-related licensing applications such as for street furniture, skips, and scaffolding.
• Provide technical advice and support to colleagues and the public, attend meetings with local councillors and residents, and represent the council in court when necessary.
• Liaise closely with Town and Parish Councils on highway issues while fostering community consultation and understanding of stakeholder concerns.
• Handle responsibility for equipment including PCs, mobile communication devices, and specialized technical tools.

Candidate Profile

• Capable of working collaboratively within a team setting and offering guidance to others.
• Possess confident communication style and strong interpersonal abilities.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions and requirements.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service skills with the ability to follow procedures and critically assess problems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Efficient time management skills enabling timely completion of tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency and experience in IT usage.