Water Officer

Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
Address:  Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX (or other locations for work include Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds and Hybrid working
Salary:  £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
Contract: Permanent
We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Water Officer within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive impact on the operational capabilities of the service.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities 

As our Water Officer, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring Suffolk has the water infrastructure needed for effective firefighting. Every day, you’ll work closely with planners, developers, water companies and our own hydrant inspection teams to help keep communities safe.

Your tasks include but are not limited to:

• Acting as the single point of contact for developers and planners regarding water supply requirements for new developments.
• Reviewing and responding to planning applications, to ensure adequate water supplies are available for new developments and preparedness for new and evolving infrastructure risks to the county.
• Leading and supporting the team of hydrant inspectors, helping to maintain and improve Suffolk’s hydrant network.
• Producing and overseeing Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s hydrant maintenance programme
• Liaising with water undertakers to coordinate repairs, installations, inspections and water supply arrangements
• Ensuring legislation such as the Fire Service Act 2004, Water Act 1960 and Town and Country Planning Act is applied correctly
• Overseeing departmental budgets and contribute to business planning and strategic development
• Representing the Service in key internal and external forums, such as S106 working groups and NFCC national meetings

Your work will directly contribute to ensuring firefighters always have access to the water they need when they need it.

You will need

• A Level 4 qualification in Business Management (or equivalent experience).
  interpreting large volumes of information and data.
• Strong organisational skills to manage consultations, data, and operational programmes
• The ability to lead and support a team, providing clear guidance and direction
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor technical information for different audiences
• Confidence in managing relationships with external partners, negotiating positive outcomes, and resolving complaints constructively
• Knowledge of the legislation relating to water for firefighting and planning frameworks
• The ability to prepare reports, risk assessments and present information to stakeholders.

We’d also love it if you have:

• project management qualification and/or experience (desirable).
• NEBOSH certificate (desirable).

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 

You’ll join a supportive and dedicated team within the Protection function working on behalf of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Working alongside inspecting officers, technical specialists and planning partners, we take pride in ensuring the safety of communities across Suffolk.

We work collaboratively, share ideas, and support each other to deliver the best outcomes for the county. Our work matters, and you’ll see the direct impact of everything you do.

Hybrid working is supported, and office working is flexible between the following locations including Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

To learn more and apply click here.