Senior Flood Risk and Climate Resilience Officer

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

The starting salary for this full-time, permanent position is £47,142 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.

We are exited to be hiring a new Senior Flood Risk and Climate Resilience Officer to join our fantastic Flood and Climate Resilient Communities Team based at our Merrow Depot in Guildford.

This role is open to hybrid working and as a team we split our time between collaborating with colleagues in the office and working remotely, including from home.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

Flooding and climate resilience presents some of the most complex and pressing challenges facing communities across Surrey. As a Senior Flood Risk and Climate Resilience Officer, you will play a vital role in helping the Council meet its responsibilities as the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and ensuring that our strategic response to flood risk makes a real difference on the ground.

Working within the Place Directorate’s Commissioning and Engagement Team and as part of the Flood and Climate Resilient Communities Team, you will help drive delivery of Surrey’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy. This is a highly collaborative role, bringing together internal teams, district and borough councils, national agencies, utility companies and community flood groups to reduce risk, build resilience and support residents affected by flooding. You will combine strategic oversight with strong partnership working, clear communication and a focus on practical outcomes for communities.

Your key responsibilities as a Senior Flood Risk and Climate Resilience Officer will include:

• Coordinating and helping to deliver the key objectives of Surrey’s Local Flood Risk Management Strategy, ensuring action plans are effectively managed and progressed with partners
• Leading on partnership working across the Council and external Flood Risk Management Authorities, aligning activity and maintaining momentum towards shared outcomes
• Managing and reporting on progress to governance boards, contributing to annual strategy impact reporting and evidence of delivery against statutory duties
• Leading Surrey’s approach to supporting community flood groups, strengthening resilience and managing partnerships such as with the National Flood Forum
• Providing clear advice and responses to residents, partners and stakeholders on flood risk responsibilities, investigations and enquiries
• Deputising for the Flood and Climate Resilient Communities Team Leader where required, including coaching and line management of staff

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• A sound understanding of the legislative and governance framework for flood risk management, including the roles of different Risk Management Authorities
• Proven experience of writing high‑quality reports or policies based on detailed research, including work linked to statutory powers or legal duties
• Evidence of influencing strategic plans or policies and leading their successful implementation across organisations
• Strong experience of developing partnerships and managing projects through effective collaboration within and across multiple organisations
• Demonstrated ability to organise and coordinate partners to deliver shared, collaborative outcomes
• Experience of providing clear, accessible advice to the public and other organisations on roles, responsibilities and delivery of outcomes

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and answer the following 4 questions:

1. Please describe a time when you wrote a report, strategy or policy document that required detailed research and/or was shaped by legal or statutory duties.
2. Please tell us about an occasion where you influenced a strategic plan or policy and played a key role in leading its implementation.
3. Please give an example of a project or programme you delivered through strong partnership working across teams and/or organisations.
4. This role requires a strong understanding of the legislative framework behind flood risk management and the roles of different authorities. Please explain how you have used this knowledge to provide advice, guidance or clarity to the public or partner organisations

This advert closes at 23:59 on the 10th May 2026 with interviews planned to take place 14th / 15th May 2026.

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey Handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. For an informal discussion please contact the Flood and Climate Resilient Communities Manager, Andrew Treasure by email at andrew.treasure1@surreycc.gov.uk

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.