Job title: Apprentice Highways Development Technician
Salary: £24,480 - £33,699 (A1 – C3)
Hours: 37
Contract: Apprentice
Location: Merrion House
Would you like to support safe and sustainable development in Leeds? We have an exciting opportunity in the Transport Development Services Team, within the Highways and Transportation Service of Leeds City Council. You would be involved in assessing a wide variety of development proposals and promoting safe and sustainable transport options and opportunities for developments.
Apprentice Technicians will be registered with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) as a student member and employed under a formal training agreement with Leeds City Council.
The scheme offers the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the service area, whilst studying towards achieving a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and Built Environment (Civil Engineering) from Leeds College of Building with the potential of further study to a BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering.
All tuition fees will be paid throughout the training period by Leeds City Council. The starting salary will be £24,413 with salary progression being awarded through successful achievement of academic qualifications and work experience appraisals.
You will have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (grade A*-C) including English, Mathematics (grade B) and Science or their equivalent. Apprentices with grades slightly below may be considered on the understanding that they will achieve the above prior to taking the end point assessment at the Leeds College of Building.
The post is full time (37 hours a week) with flexible/hybrid working, based at Merrion House in Leeds City Centre.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About you
As an Apprentice Highways Development Technician, you will bring to the role:
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Strong communication skills
- Strong numeracy skills
- Technical aptitude
- Commitment and ability to develop within the role
- At least 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (grade A*-C) including English, Mathematics (grade B) and Science or their equivalent
About the role
As our nextApprentice Highways Development Technician, you’ll be part of a team assessing transport & highway safety, accessibility and impacts of development proposals though the planning system, supporting Leeds Best City Ambitions of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth, Strong Communities and Sustainable Cities by helping to ensure safe and sustainable development. The role is a career-grade post with the opportunity to develop and progress through the grades.
What we offer you
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
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a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
- membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
- flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements
- a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
- a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please complete the online application form.
Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Matthew Woodrow, Senior Highways Development Engineer. Call 0113 378 8162 or email Matthew.Woodrow@leeds.gov.uk
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Please ensure you are eligible before applying.
All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.
Job description
Job Purpose
To gain practical experience in the work of an Apprentice Highways Development Technician and become familiar with the techniques, legislation and standards for highway design and layout, transport statements /transport assessments and travel plans. To work as a member of a team involved in the investigation, assessment and identification of mitigation in relation to how development proposals will impact on all users of the highway network of Leeds.
The post holder will be able to progress through the specified grades as experience, qualification and knowledge is gained. Support, guidance and training will be given to the post holder to assist in effective delivery of the responsibilities.
The job description summarises the work content and nature of the post and its role in the organisation. It does not specify every aspect of the job in detail and broad headings covering only the primary responsibilities of the post have been used. It is implicit that all the usual associated routines and duties are included and that staff will work flexibly.
Specific Responsibilities:
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Develop knowledge, skills and experience as a transport professional working within the transport development services field in accordance with all appropriate guidance, policy and legislation.
- Work closely with internal services, consultants, contractors and developers in all transport aspects associated with development proposals.
- To comply with the accountability of the safety of staff, service users and contractors in accordance with the Department Health and Safety Policy.
- Develop knowledge of carrying out the statutory duty and roles required under the Construction Design Management Regulations (2015).
- Work closely with internal and external services and contractors in the feasibility, design and delivery of engineering schemes related to development proposals.
- Develop knowledge, skills and experience of managing projects and service improvements where required.
- Prepare written evidence for planning appeals and assist in preparing evidence for public inquiries and hearings.
- Assist in preparing reports including requests for decisions by Elected Members and Delegated Officers.
- To give advice and mentor junior members of staff where required.
- Liaising closely with colleagues in all areas of the department to secure the delivery of satisfactory services to Members, citizens and developers.
- Liaison and joint working with other teams, departments, Authorities, public bodies and private organisations.
- Keeping abreast of changes in legislation, policy and procedures, ensuring such changes are taken into account in all matters dealt with.
- To successfully undertake an agreed course of formal training.
- The Directorate operates a Staff Appraisal and Development Scheme which includes individual Action Plans and a collective Training Plan. You will be expected to participate actively and responsibly in the agreement of a Personal Action Plan and in meeting its agreed aim and targets.
- To abide by the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy in the duties of the post and as an employee of the Council.
- To abide by the Council’s No Smoking Policy.
- To undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
Physical Conditions
The post will involve visits to sites and other locations throughout the Leeds District for which the relevant car allowance or travel expenses will be paid. Occasionally attendance at meetings and events outside normal office hours may be required.
Prospects
Progression through the grades is dependent upon satisfactory progress through the engineering training programme, its academic requirements, and suitable advancement of knowledge in the workplace and progression towards formal professional accreditation.
Training
Apprentice Highways Development Technicians will attend on part time basis / on a day release basis to study for a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and Built Environment (Civil Engineering) in years 1 to 3 and BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering in years 4 to 5.
Qualifications
The minimum academic qualifications for the post of Apprentice Highways Development Technician are those required to commence studies for a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and Built Environment (Civil Engineering) and entry to the Civil Engineering Technician (Level 3 Advanced) Apprenticeship Scheme.
Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Construction and Built Environment (Civil Engineering) and Advanced Apprenticeship - You will need 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (grade A*-C) including English, Mathematics (grade B) and Science.
BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Civil Engineering – You will need a BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma, and Subsidiary Diploma in Construction or one A Level. Those with alternative qualifications and appropriate experience may also be considered including mature candidates.
JOB PROFILE: APPRENTICE HIGHWAYS DEVELOPMENT TECHNICIAN
Grade A1 - DUTIES
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Develop an understanding of the role of Transport Development Services and Development Control in an enterprising public sector context.
- With close supervision assist within the Transport Development Services team context in developing technical and operational solutions to traffic and transportation issues and challenges across the city.
- With close supervision assist in the drafting of drawings and presentational materials (using computer aided design and analysis).
- With close supervision draft reports, correspondence and consultation responses to internal colleagues and officers across the council.
- Develop an outline knowledge of relevant legislation, design guidance, standards and procedures and their applications, including site safety.
- With close supervision gain an understanding of the processes and approvals needed to implement development related highway works.
- With close supervision gain an understanding of planning Appeal processes and the preparation of Written Representation appeal statements.
- Working towards successful academic learning/exam/assessment results over the initial two year period to achieve a Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 BTEC Diploma.
- Make suitable progress toward meeting the competencies required of a professional Engineering Technician.
Grade B1 - DUTIES
-
Develop an understanding of the role of Transport Development Services and Development Control in an enterprising public sector context.
- With close supervision assist in developing technical and operational solutions to traffic and transportation issues and challenges across the city.
- With close supervision assist in the drafting of drawings and presentational materials (using Computer Aided Design and analysis).
- With close supervision operate specialist design, data and modelling software and interpret and apply the findings.
- With close supervision draft correspondence to internal colleagues and officers across the council, external organisations and members of the public.
- With close supervision assist in the compiling and drafting of reports and consultation responses on complex issues, reaching reasoned conclusions and making recommendations that achieve safe and sustainable development.
- Develop a working knowledge of relevant legislation, design guidance, standards and procedure and their applications, including site safety and the CDM Regulations.
- With close supervision assist in gaining the approvals needed to implement development related highway works.
- With close supervision prepare Written Representation appeal statements and assist in the preparation of evidence for complex Public Inquiries and Hearings.
- Actively promote the service in order to raise the profile of the Council and demonstrate its value to all members and residents.
- Undertake successful academic learning/results/assessments over the initial two year period of a Level 3 qualification in Civil Engineering.
- Make suitable progress towards meeting the competencies of a professional Engineering Technician.
Grade B3 - DUTIES
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Develop an understanding of the role of Transport Development Services and Development Control in an enterprising public sector context and its interaction with Developers and Consultants.
- Under supervision assist in developing technical and operational solutions to traffic and transportation issues and challenges across the city.
- Under supervision assist in the drafting of drawings and presentational materials (using Computer Aided Design and analysis).
- Under close supervision operate specialist design, data and modelling software and interpret and apply the findings.
- Under supervision draft correspondence to internal colleagues and officers across the council, external organisations and members of the public.
- Under close supervision assist in the compiling and drafting of reports and consultation responses on complex issues, reaching reasoned conclusions and making recommendations that achieve safe and sustainable development.
- Develop a working knowledge of relevant legislation, design guidance, standards and procedure and their applications, including site safety and the CDM Regulations.
- Under supervision assist in gaining the approvals needed to implement development related highway works.
- Under supervision prepare Written Representation appeal statements and assist in the preparation of evidence for complex Public Inquiries and Hearings.
- Actively promote the service in order to raise the profile of the Council and demonstrate its value to all members and residents.
- Undertake successful academic learning/results/assessments to achieve a Civil Engineering Level 4 HNC.
- Make suitable further progress towards meeting the competencies of a professional Engineering Technician.
- Coaching of trainees and apprentices.
Grade C3 - DUTIES
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Undertake the role of a professional Engineering Technician in an enterprising public sector context and its interaction with public, developers and consultants.
- Assist with the Transport Development Services team context in developing technical and operational solutions to traffic and transportation issues and challenges across the city.
- Undertake the preparation of drawings and presentational materials (using Computer Aided Design and analysis) and assist senior technical staff in the development of complex design work.
- Assist senior staff by operating specialist design, data and modelling software and interpret and apply the findings by reaching reasoned conclusions.
- Prepare correspondence to internal colleagues and officers across the council, external organisations and members of the public.
- Compile complex information and assist in the preparation of reports and consultation responses on complex issues, reaching reasoned conclusions and making recommendations that achieve safe and sustainable development.
- Apply a sound working knowledge of relevant legislation, design guidance, standards and procedure and their applications, including site safety and the CDM Regulations.
- Assist in gaining the approvals needed to implement development related highway works.
- Undertake the preparation of Written Representation appeal statements and assist in the preparation of evidence for complex Public Inquiries and Hearings.
- Actively promote the service in order to raise the profile of the council and demonstrate its value to all members, residents.
- Successfully achieve Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) status and registration with the Engineering Council.
- Supervision/coaching of trainees and apprentices.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS: It is essential that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates will only be shortlisted for interview if they can demonstrate on the application form that they meet all the essential requirements.
Method of Assessment will be through one or more of the following Application Form, Test, Interview or Certificate.
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS: It is desirable that the Candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities: Candidates are not required to meet all the Desirable requirements however these may be used to distinguish between acceptable candidates.
The following pages will identify the essential and desirable requirements at the different of grades.
A1 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
A1 DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work to high standards.
- Ability to act on own initiative.
- Ability to demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation and determination.
- Ability to apply knowledge of engineering principles.
- Ability to read, interpret plans and maps
- Able to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Knowledge of the role, functions and responsibility of a Local Authority.
- Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the service functions within Local Government.
- Appreciation of project management techniques.
Experience
-
Experience of using standard ICT packages
- Experience of report writing
- Experience of dealing with members of the public
- Experience of working as part of a team
B1 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to work to high standards.
- Ability to act on own initiative.
- Ability to demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation and determination.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
B1 DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills.
- Ability to read, interpret plans and maps
- Able to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations
- Knowledge of the role, functions and responsibility of a Local Authority.
- Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the service functions within Local Government.
- Appreciation of project management techniques.
- Ability to assess Travel Plans, Transport Statements and Transport Assessments
Experience
-
Experience of using standard ICT packages
- Experience of report writing
- Experience of dealing with members of the public
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of analysing, presenting and applying data
- Sound experience of effectively assessing and critiquing developer proposals
- Experience in the use of specialist design, data and modelling software
- Experience of case load/project management to deliver timely responses to developer’s submissions and meet deadlines
- Experience of the obtaining necessary approvals and legal documentation to implement development related highway works
- Effective Experience of preparing Appeal Statements for the defence of reasons for refusal of developer proposals by the Written Representation method
- Effective Experience of assisting senior officers in preparing evidence for complex Appeals conducted as Public Inquiries or Hearings.
B3 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work to high standards.
- Ability to act on own initiative.
- Ability to demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation and determination.
- Ability to read, interpret plans and maps
- Able to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Knowledge of the role, functions and responsibility of a Local Authority.
- Possess technical knowledge of technical engineering matters and solutions.
- Achieve Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 BTEC Diploma
Experience
-
Experience of using standard ICT packages
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of analysing, presenting and applying data
- Sound experience of effectively assessing and critiquing developer proposals
- Effective Experience of preparing Appeal Statements for the defence of reasons for refusal of developer proposals by the Written Representation method
B3 DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to apply knowledge of engineering principles.
- Able to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations
- Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the service functions within Local Government.
- Appreciation of project management techniques.
- Ability to assess Travel Plans, Transport Statements and Transport Assessments
- Achieve registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.
Experience
-
Experience of report writing
- Experience of dealing with members of the public
- Experience in the use of specialist design, data and modelling software
- Experience of case load/project management to deliver timely responses to developer’s submissions and meet deadlines
- Experience of the obtaining necessary approvals and legal documentation to implement development related highway works
- Effective Experience of assisting senior officers in preparing evidence for complex Appeals conducted as Public Inquiries or Hearings.
C3 ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to keep accurate records.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to apply negotiation and problem solving skills.
- Ability to work to high standards.
- Ability to act on own initiative.
- Ability to demonstrate flexibility, self-motivation and determination.
- Ability to read, interpret plans and maps
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Knowledge of the role, functions and responsibility of a Local Authority.
- Appreciation of project management techniques.
- Possess technical knowledge of technical engineering matters and solutions.
- Ability to assess Travel Plans, Transport Statements and Transport Assessments
- Achieve Civil Engineering Technician Level 3 BTEC Diploma
- Achieve BTEC Level 4 HNC/D qualification in Civil Engineering.
- Achieve registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech) with the Engineering Council.
Experience
-
Experience of using standard ICT packages
- Experience of report writing
- Experience of dealing with members of the public
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of analysing, presenting and applying data
- Sound experience of effectively assessing and critiquing developer proposals
- Experience in the use of specialist design, data and modelling software
- Experience of case load/project management to deliver timely responses to developer’s submissions and meet deadlines
- Experience of the obtaining necessary approvals and legal documentation to implement development related highway works
- Effective Experience of preparing Appeal Statements for the defence of reasons for refusal of developer proposals by the Written Representation method
- Effective Experience of assisting senior officers in preparing evidence for complex Appeals conducted as Public Inquiries or Hearings.
C3 DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
Skills
-
Ability to apply knowledge of engineering principles.
- Able to prepare detailed reports and make recommendations
- Have a sound understanding of the legal and operational framework of the service
Behavioural and other Characteristics required (All Grades)
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Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
- Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
- Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
- Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
- Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
- Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
- Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
- Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
- Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity.
- Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
- The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.
