Job title: Senior Technical Officer (Contaminated Land) – Grade SO2

Salary: SO2 £38,510 - £40,444

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House, 110 Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8BB

Are you interested in a hands-on role that’s vital to planning decisions in Leeds, helping us ensure new developments are safe and sustainable? Do you have good IT skills and the ability to convey technical information clearly to different audiences?

We ‘re looking for a committed, enthusiastic Senior Technical Officer to join our contaminated land team and help us fulfil our obligations under the National Planning Policy Framework and Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

As one of the leading authorities for the regulation of land contamination, Leeds City Council can offer you a rewarding role, with a varied caseload and opportunities for career development.

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 valuesand ambitions.

About you

As a Senior Technical Officer (Contaminated Land), you will be a team player, self-motivated and with relevant experience gained in the public or private sector. The qualifications and skills you need include:

a degree in an appropriate discipline (such as land contamination, environmental or earth science, chemistry)
understanding of land contamination provisions in legislation and planning procedures
knowledge of best practice for investigation and remediation of contaminated land
well-developed IT skills
good working knowledge of GIS
ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

About the role

As Senior Technical Officer (Contaminated Land), you will be a key member of the contaminated land team in our planning and sustainable development service.

You will investigate and report on land contamination issues to help the council assess the suitability of sites for proposed development. You will analyse reports submitted with planning applications and undertake any further investigations. You will advise planning officers on identified contamination, its implications and remediation.

You will contribute to Leeds City Council’s Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, by writing Phase I Desk Studies, conducting soil sampling and writing up Phase II Site Investigation reports.

What we offer you

We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:

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 on completing your application.

If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Stella Keenan on 0113 378 7608 or Greg Gibson on 0113 378 9865.

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 visaroute 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.

Job Description

Job purpose

Working as part of a team, to provide technical advice and guidance to assist the City Council within the Contaminated Land team particularly in fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to land contamination under the relevant planning advice and Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. In particular, to respond to planning consultations and undertake Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy work.

The postholder will work as a member of the Contaminated Land Team and will maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels within the Directorate, other Council Directorates, Elected Members, external agencies and the general public.

Responsibilities

Support the day-to-day duties of the Contaminated Land Team/function (Environment & Design Group).
To assess reports accompanying planning consultations regarding land contamination and provide a written response as to the implications for human health and the environment including:
- Phase I (desk study) reports
- Phase II (intrusive site investigation) reports
- Risk assessments
- Remediation statements
- Verification reports
To provide advice to Planning Services case officers on the adequacy of the submitted reports and the implications of the information provided with respect to whether sufficient work has been completed to demonstrate that risks associated with contamination have been addressed.
To recommend to Planning Services case officers the most appropriate means of securing, where necessary, the remediation of identified contamination to ensure that sites are ‘suitable for use’ through specifying those planning conditions and directions to be attached to planning permissions.
To communicate the council’s policies, strategies and procedures with respect to land contamination and the planning process to council officers and the public.
To participate in the work of the team in relation to Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 including undertaking and writing up Phase I Desk Studies and Phase II Site Investigations.
To maintain an awareness of changes in legislation, policy and procedures relevant to the job and to ensure that such changes are taken into account in all matters dealt with.
To demonstrate the ability to manage workload in accordance with Council priorities and Line Manager guidance.
To have an understanding of LCC processes, procedures and regulations.
To ensure good quality customer care standards are provided.
To abide by the Council’s 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 responsibilities and grade of the post.

Qualifications/knowledge

Degree in appropriate discipline, such as earth science, chemistry, environmental science, at BSc level (or equivalent).
Degree in appropriate discipline, such as earth science, chemistry, environmental science, at MSc level (or equivalent) is desirable.
Excellent understanding of Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the duties/responsibilities placed on local authorities and Leeds City Council.
Excellent understanding of the land contamination provisions of the planning regime.
Good knowledge of procedures and best practice for investigation, assessment and remediation of contaminated land.
Membership of a professional institute in an appropriate discipline is desirable.
Good working knowledge of GIS.
An understanding of public sector issues and the democratic process is desirable.
Understanding of and commitment to sustainability in service delivery is desirable.
An understanding of service delivery issues.

Essential requirements

Well developed IT skills.
Ability to write clear, concise and logical reports and correspondence.
Ability to negotiate effectively with a wide range of customers is desirable.
Good organisational skills, capability of achieving agreed deadlines and targets
Ability to work effectively both individually and as part of a team.
Ability to listen actively, ask questions, clarify points and check understanding is desirable.
Ability to communicate technical issues with clarity and confidence to a wide audience is desirable.
Ability to develop productive working relationships that command respect, trust and confidence.
Ability to deal positively and objectively with difficult situations.
Ability to take initiative and assist and co-operate with others.
Ability to promote a professional image of self, the directorate and the Council.
Relevant experience working with land contamination/contaminated land issues in the public and/or private sector.
Technical competence in writing and reviewing Phase I Desk Study and Phase II Intrusive Site Investigation reports and qualitative risk assessments.
Technical competence in writing and reviewing quantitative risk assessments and reviewing remediation statements and validation reports is desirable.
Report and letter writing experience.
Experience of persuading and influencing a wide range of individuals and organisations is desirable.
Experience of delivering presentations and/or training sessions is desirable.

Behavioural and other Characteristics required

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behavioursand codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambitionof 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.