Transport Officer/Senior Transport Officer

Job Introduction

The Role

As a Transport Officer you will help shape and deliver transport and parking strategies for North Hertfordshire, supporting the development of the Local Plan and other area-wide plans, policies and design guidance. Projects will include new and upgraded active travel infrastructure, bus priority measures, travel/mobility hubs, electric vehicle chargepoints, car clubs and micromobility hire schemes. You will work closely with Hertfordshire County Council, other local authorities, consultants and stakeholders, undertake research, surveys and data analysis, and provide clear advice on transport matters to colleagues, councillors, developers and the public.

The role also involves contributing to consultations, reports, presentations, public engagement activities and funding bids, while keeping up to date with relevant legislation, policy and transport trends to support effective decision-making and the successful delivery of the Council’s objectives.

As a Senior Transport Officer, you will also take a lead role in developing and reviewing transport evidence and policy for the Local Plan, managing consultants and procurement processes, preparing and implementing transport and parking strategies, and advising councillors and colleagues on transport matters. You will help secure funding and oversee transport projects, represent the Council at appeals, inquiries and examinations, drive service improvements across teams, and support, mentor and develop staff.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual who can meet the challenges of a busy department and will be able to engage with and provide transport advice to officers and external stakeholders, including councillors and members of the public.

This is an exciting opportunity to help the Council meet local and central government targets and ambitions for transport, in particular around decarbonisation. You will play an important role in shaping the Council’s policies and actions to increase uptake of more sustainable modes of transport, principally in new developments.

The successful candidate will gain a broad range of experience working in local government with other transport professionals, planners, urban designers and other specialists, including at Hertfordshire County Council, consultancies, developers and housebuilders.

The Experience you will bring

We are looking for an individual who can take on a demanding and varied workload across multiple simultaneous projects. You will have knowledge of transport planning and project delivery, and a good understanding of how transport policies, strategies and schemes are developed using data, evidence and consultation.

You will require a relevant Transport or Town Planning qualification and experience in transport planning, policy and project delivery.

You will need to be well organised with proven verbal, written and presentation skills and the ability to prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You should also possess initiative and good interpersonal skills and be comfortable with using and learning to use a variety of software.

Please note, the successful applicant for the above post will be background checked with the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We particularly encourage applications from female leaders and individuals from an ethnic minority background.

About Us

North Hertfordshire is a large rural district with approximately 125,000 residents with four historic towns, Hitchin, Baldock, Royston and Letchworth Garden City. The Council have four priorities: Thriving Communities, Accessible Services, Responsible Growth and Sustainability. The Council Plan sets out our key priorities and themes for the next five years. The North Herts Values define how we as colleagues work with each other, and we strive to be: Adaptable, Inclusive, Learning, Listening, Together.

Why work with us?

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in our recruitment practices and in our employment policies. We want our employees to feel safe to express themselves and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of talents. We are dedicated to promoting a healthy work/life balance, valuing our employees, and enabling them to make a difference to the local community.

At North Herts Council we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and we guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum requirements for the job.

Please note that all our vacancies require you to live and work in the UK, and selection interviews are face to face in our Letchworth offices or other nearby council sites.

We are changing
North Herts Council (NHC) is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by NHC on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.

LGR is one of the biggest changes in local government we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised and gives us a real opportunity to build something better.

To find out more, visit Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation | North Herts Council

If you would like an informal chat about the post, you can contact Edward Leigh Transport Policy and Projects Team Leader on 01462 474368 or Louise Symes, Transport, Parking & Projects Service Manager on 01462 474359.

Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Hybrid working:Flexibility with homeworking and office-based days

Working pattern: This job is open to flexible working patterns and working hours

First interviews (on Teams): Friday 14th & Thursday 20th August

Second interviews (in person): Wednesday 2nd & Thursday 3rd September

Contract: Fixed term (5 years)