Transport Planning Support Officer X2

About Us.

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role.

We are seeking two dedicated and enthusiastic Transport Planning Support Officers to join our Public Transport team on 12-month fixed-term contracts. The Public Transport team are responsible for commissioning local bus services, managing passenger infrastructure, overseeing the process of short-term disruption to bus services, and supporting the promotion of sustainable travel and modal shift.

In this role, you will you will support the Public Transport team by delivering a mixture of ongoing tasks and transformation work aimed at enhancing service efficiency and improving data and stakeholder processes.

Key Responsibilities (Role A):

• Reviewing and improving bus stop data in the national database.
• Inputting data using the council bus stop asset management system.
• Conducting desktop bus stop audits in line with Government guidance.
• Raising orders for maintenance and installation of bus stop infrastructure and ordering of spare parts.
• Requesting colleagues to undertake minor infrastructure works (including provision of instructions and maps).

Key Responsibilities (Role B):

• Liasing with utility companies and event organisers regarding disruption to the road network.
• Working with bus operators to assist them in planning diversions to bus routes in response to road network disruption.
• Creating and sharing passenger publicity regarding bus disruption (including at stop and online).
• Requesting colleagues to undertake work such as placing of at-stop notices and temporary stops (including provision of material to print, instructions and maps).
• Ensuring utility companies and event organisers are billed for work undertaken, in line with council procedures.

Key Responsibilities (Both):

• Management of the team’s email inboxes.
• Management of the team’s responses to queries from MPs, councillors and the general public.
• Supporting the wider team in delivering the team’s objectives.

Potential projects over next 12 months:

• Improving how public feedback is processed and incorporated by the team, including via the council website.
• Developing and analysing a survey of public transport stakeholder needs.
• Developing and analysing a survey of residents’ needs.

As well as homeworking this position is currently based at our Town Hall office in Weston-super-Mare 1-2 days a week (it is possible to work at the Town Hall 5 days a week if desired).

Work Style.

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office.
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about Public Transport, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Experience using Microsoft Office suite.
• Experience working in a team to achieve shared outcomes.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.
• Interest in public transport, planning, or local government operations.

Desirable Criteria:

• Completed a relevant tertiary qualification.
• Customer service experience.
• Data collection, analysis and/or input experience.
• Awareness of public transport systems and/or transport policy in the UK.

What We Offer.

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Local Government Pension.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team.
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How To Apply.

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information.

For further information about the role, please contact Christopher Heward, Principal Transport Planning Officer, at Christopher.Heward@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07385 010117.

Important Information.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Those that move to interview stage will be offered an interview at a date soon after the closing date.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities.

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.