Job Title: Principal Highway Drainage Engineer
Contract: Permanent
Location: Unit 3, Thorn Business Park, Hereford
Hours: 37
Salary band: HC10 £46,142 – £50,269 per annum
Closing date: 8 February 2026
Interview date: 19 February 2026
The Role
We are transforming how highways and public realm services are delivered across Herefordshire, bringing them back under direct Council control for the first time in years. From June 2026, we will work in a new way that gives us greater flexibility, more local accountability, and a sharper focus on quality and value for money. By joining us now, you will be part of a team shaping the future of essential services that residents rely on every day.
Responsibilities
- Manage the countywide highway drainage system.
- Investigate reported issues in a timely manner and raise jobs through partner contractors or liaison with water companies via annual programmes.
- Develop and deliver a countywide gully and drainage asset cleansing programme.
- Collaborate closely with the Flood Risk Management team to mitigate the likelihood and impact of flooding from the highway network on property.
- Work with the Road Safety and Traffic Management team to develop plans to keep the network moving during extreme weather.
Qualifications
- Knowledge and experience of investigating and resolving highway drainage system problems.
- Experience of highway drainage design and designing/implementing SuDS.
- Comprehensive knowledge of key highway legislation (Highways Act 1980) and flood risk management legislation (Flood and Water Management Act 2010, Flood Risk Regulations 2009, Land Drainage Act 1991, etc).
- Experience working positively with key stakeholders and communities.
- Experience reviewing highway drainage plans during the development management process, and willingness to be involved in developing drainage schemes and progressing new projects.
Benefits
- Salary range: HC10 £46,142 – £50,269 per annum.
- Enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Career progression: clear pathways to progress.
- Annual leave: 31 days pro rata plus bank holidays; additional 10 days may be purchased per annum.
- Flexible working options including job‑sharing, part‑time hours, and agile working.
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 access to support and counselling.
- Payment of professional membership fees (based on role requirements).
- Access to retail, leisure, holiday and health benefits, including savings, cash back and discounts.
Equal Opportunity and Commitments
Herefordshire Council is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Candidates who meet essential criteria will be interviewed if they are from:
- People with a disability (part of ‘Disability Confident’ scheme).
- Armed Forces Veterans or Reservists (supporting the Armed Forces Covenant).
- Herefordshire care leavers (supporting young people leaving care).
We take our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults seriously and expect all staff, visitors, and volunteers to share this commitment.
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