Job info |
Job info details |
Job title |
Electrical Engineer |
Strategic team/Directorate |
Place |
Service |
Property Services & FM |
Business unit |
Property Services |
Responsible to (day to day issues) |
Senior Electrical Engineer |
Accountable to (line manager) |
Property Services Manager |
Salary grade |
J |
JE ref |
PLA034 |
1. Key purpose of job
- To organise and assist with the management and delivery of projects in the Electrical Engineering section.
- To provide an efficient, economic and effective service, reporting to the Senior Electrical Engineer.
2. Anticipated outcomes of post
- To assist in the management the preparation and supervision of electrical engineering schemes included in the Council’s Capital Programme, capital programmes for other clients, and other reactive repairs projects from feasibility to construction, installation and maintenance of the structure.
- Ensure that the Council's duties under the various Acts of Parliament relating to electrical Engineering and buildings and structural assets are complied with.
- To ensure all projects undertaken by the electrical engineering section are designed and constructed in a technically competent and professional manner.
- Provide clients and the public with professional advice in order to reduce risk to people and property.
- To assist in the preparation and supervision of electrical engineering and other TORBAY COUNCIL projects from feasibility, through to design, construction and maintenance.
3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post
- As an Employee of Torbay Council all roles are expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. The Designated Senior Lead for Safeguarding is the Chief Executive and Director of Children’s Services.
- Working on a variety of schemes and projects in such manner to ensure that an expeditious, efficient and cost-effective service is provided to meet the needs and priorities of Torbay Council and its clients, keeping the Service Manager and Senior Electrical Engineer regularly advised as to progress, future requirements and problem areas.
- Support the team in carrying out the statutory duties and obligations identified in a wide range of relevant legislation relating to Electrical Engineering. To include awareness of principal Health & Safety requirements, in particular those affecting the occupation of premises. Duties that relate to accessibility, environmental considerations, energy efficiency, sustainability, deleterious materials and cultural heritage.
- Carry out stock condition surveys on properties to help assess the condition of assets and the levels of backlog maintenance. Surveys entail confirming client instruction, survey preparation, information gathering, to include O & M manuals, guarantees and warranties, inspection, recording data, estimating the cost of repairs/replacement and seeking further advice for specialist areas where necessary. Also making recommendations for Environmental improvements.
- Technical support to other team members working on local area projects to include assessment and design using GIS, topographical surveys and site surveys.
- To prepare projects for external procurement, following which, act as the Torbay Council’s representative.
- To manage, supervise and coordinate contractors, consultants and other suppliers on internal and external projects.
- Processing Building Control applications and Planning Consent applications for an array of building structures and a variety of projects.
- Undertaking and processing surveys and the production of detailed survey/topographical plans using modern electronic distance measurement equipment linked to computer programmes including PDS and other surveying software.
- Production of Electrical Engineering designs, plans, detailed drawings, bills of quantities and contract documentation using GIS systems and AutoCAD and other specialist software.
- Site supervision and administration of JCT & NEC electrical engineering contracts.
- Keeping abreast of current relevant legislation and design standards.
- Responsibility for keeping the Computerised Survey Software up to date and general maintenance of specialist equipment, including survey equipment.
- Liaising with Statutory Undertakers, external partners and other individuals or bodies affected by works.
- Preparing reports and dealing with complaints and correspondence from the Public, Elected Members and other bodies, etc.
- Representing the Property Services team at meetings, working parties, contract meetings, etc., advising the Service Manager/Senior Electrical Engineer and dealing with matters arising and dispensing advice to Elected Members and the Public on related matters.
- Assisting in ensuring the development and maintenance of sound electrical engineering practices.
- To evaluate risks associated with projects.
- Where required /requested, manage projects in accordance with Project Management Excellence in Construction methodology/guidelines.
- Resolve emergency situations (fires/asset collapse, leaking roofs etc.) by working as part of a team.
4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post
- Ensuring that systems of budgetary, accountancy and financial control are properly understood, used and developed in line with relevant Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
- The post holder is responsible for exercising effective financial monitoring, planning and control of the capital/revenue budgets set for the schemes they are managing, which could run into hundreds of thousands.
- Monitoring budgets and producing budgetary reports for grant funding bodies.
- Taking site measurements and quantities and agreeing accounts with contractors up to final account stage and the management of budgets where required.
5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post
- Whilst this post does not directly line manage staff employed by Torbay Council, it does manage multi-disciplinary projects involving consultants, contractors etc, as well as any external/internal agencies and is responsible for quality control, issuing client instructions and for monitoring the technical direction and outcome of the construction works. The role will typically involve the management, supervision and coordination of a minimum of five construction projects concurrently.
- Overseeing and assisting with the development and support of junior staff within the Property Services Team.
- Ensure that risk assessments are undertaken to eliminate or control risk, and to ensure safe working practices are developed and implemented to minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable, eg Hot Work permit system, compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, safe work in confined spaces-HSE approved code of practice, temporary facilities are set up safely.
- Ensure that the Senior Electrical Engineer is advised of any defect or hazard which requires further input, or they cannot rectify themselves.
- Providing such assistance as may be requested by the Service Manager/Senior Electrical Engineering effectively managing the section and offer technical support and guidance to Property Services team colleagues.
6. Working environment and conditions of the post
- General office-based design, attendance at meetings in other offices within Torbay and attendance at site meetings on local and regional projects.
- Work on construction sites throughout the Southwest at all times of the year. Including during the Summer holidays when traffic volumes are high, and travel is therefore required at off peak times to ensure prompt attendance for site meetings.
- Occasional working in high-risk environments such as coastal locations or in fire damaged structures, and often working close to plant or machinery (including lift machine rooms), lone working, working at height, working in confined spaces or underground, working close to vehicle movements.
- Working outside surveying/inspecting swimming pools and construction sites.
- Working outside adjacent to a live public highway.
- Working outside in varied weather conditions during/after a flooding event.
- Normal working environment and conditions when in the design office.
7. Physical demands of the post
- Normal physical effort for office-based element of the role.
- The postholder will be required to attend site often daily and occasionally to provide cover across the different property services disciplines (mechanical and other building services, aspects for health and safety which require periods of intense physical demand.
- The post requires the inspection of various buildings, within Torbay and further afield, often involving intense effort on foot to reach remote Torbay Council assets. Some of these assets are in awkward to reach places i.e. down embankments, in overgrown areas or across fields, use of ladders and scaffolding for high-level access etc.
- The above may require site attendance during periods of adverse weather conditions, possibly outside daylight hours and/or weekends during winter months to react to unexpected events e.g. flooding. This will involve exposure to moderate noise, heat, cold and potentially uncomfortable or difficult surroundings / conditions.
- The post holder should be prepared for the regular occurrence of these events during periods of sustained adverse weather, as Torbay is a Coastal location containing a large number of Council assets.
8. Specific resources used by the post
- Surveying Equipment to undertake a variety of electrical engineering functions – ranging in value from £500 to £2500. Frequency of use is dependent on projects that are being undertaken but could be weekly/monthly.
- Specialist computer software.
9. Key contacts and relationships
External:
- Liaising with Torbay Council Departments regarding the preparation of new build building designs, alterations and works in buildings, including conservation areas and buildings associated with cultural heritage, and other capital replacement and repairing works designs and contracts.
- Managing external contractors and consultants working on behalf of TORBAY COUNCIL, Torbay Council and other clients.
- Liaising with Statutory Undertakers, external partners and other individuals or bodies affected by the works.
- Dealing with members of the public through provision of technical advice, enforcing land drainage law, consultations and supervision of contracts on site.
- Dealing with various Government agencies.
- Liaising with Council Members when necessary.
Internal:
- Working closely with TORBAY COUNCIL colleagues at all levels of the organisation to achieve outputs as required by its clients.
10. Other duties
- To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.
Other Information
- All staff must commit to Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.
- Torbay Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo the checks appropriate to the post applied for.
- The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures. And are aware that the Chief Executive and the Director for Childrens Services are the Safeguarding Leads for the Council
- This post is office based at Tor Hill House but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
- You will be asked to complete a Criminal Records Self Declaration Form. Criminal convictions will only be taken into account when they are relevant to the post. You will only be asked to disclose ‘unspent’ convictions.
- The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
- The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
- The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
- The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity”. Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
- If this post is customer facing, it will require the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- If you are required to access a government system such as HMRC, DWP or The Public services network (PSN) as part of your role with the Council you will be required to complete a basic disclose with your line manager before you can access these systems. Your manager will be required to complete a verification form that confirms your identity, nationality and immigration status, employment history and unspent convictions (third party).
- If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.
Person Specification
Note for Candidate
All Candidates
The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement.
In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.
Candidates who consider that they have a disability
Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.
If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.
Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.
If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.
Job info |
Job info details |
Job Title |
Electrical Engineer |
Strategic team/Directorate |
Place |
Service |
Property Services & FM |
Business unit |
Property Services |
Skills and effectiveness
Essential skills and effectiveness
- Effective communication and negotiation skills, including correspondence and report preparation.
- Ability and adaptability in electrical engineering practices and design standards in the broad range of buildings and structures found within the regional environment, including urban, commercial, industrial, domestic, leisure, and marine services.
- IT skills including using Microsoft packages, specialist design software.
- Proficient in the use of AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD.
- Ability to manage, monitor and review performance to meet targets.
- Ability to deal firmly but fairly with contractors on site, have an unbiased approach to people and an ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Ability to effectively prioritise workload, using multiple skills to work on a diverse range of projects simultaneously through to completion.
- Manage the planning and organisation of tasks and resources and assist others to meet changing technical and managerial needs.
- Ability to apply specialist knowledge to respond to complex enquiries from a range of stakeholders.
- Risk Assessments, manage risks effectively and manage Health, Safety and Welfare within their own are of responsibility, and also helping the team to improve on these aspects.
- Ability to present information clearly and effectively with good presentation skills and knowledge of subject.
- A basic knowledge of financial management.
- Demonstrate effective personal and social skills.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Desirable skills and effectiveness
- Project management skills.
- Ability to demonstrate strong analytical financial management and decision-making skills in relation to finance.
- Competent in the use of GIS Software.
Knowledge
Essential knowledge
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of sound electrical engineering practices especially in relation to health and safety, safe methods of working, renewable/sustainable energy/accessibility e.g., making appropriate provision for wheelchair access/ provision for visually impaired.
- Ability to procure external works.
- Extensive knowledge of relevant legislation and guidance contained within the Building Regulations and current design codes of practice.
- Extensive Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation, statutory obligations and standards in relation to Electrical Engineering.
- Understanding of contract procedures and contract law.
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of Procurement process and financial regulations.
- Ability to solve building surveying problems using a sound theoretical approach, based on evidence and the ability to exercise sound independent building surveying judgement.
Desirable knowledge
- Engage in research on emerging technology and improved building techniques.
- Take an active role in identification and definition of requirements, challenges, risks and opportunities and undertake appropriate investigation and action.
Experience and achievements
Essential experience and achievements
- Significant experience of electrical engineering design, survey, taking-off quantities and contract preparation including use of modern computer techniques.
- Proven or demonstrable track record of supervising contractors and of administering contracts, measurements and accounts.
- Managing people (contractors, consultants etc.)
- Significant experience in relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrable experience of preparing and administering contracts and design using the JCT or NEC Conditions of Contract.
- Significant experience of supervising building works contracts and issuing completion statements.
Desirable experience and achievements
- Demonstrable experience of the application, determination of liquidated damages and contractors’ liability insurance thresholds when dealing with JCT and NEC Contracts.
- Significant experience of working with external organisations, the public, politicians and other interest groups.
- Ability to demonstrate effective use of post-project evaluation for learning and improvement.
Qualifications/professional memberships
Essential qualifications/professional memberships
- Minimum HND, BTEC Higher or equivalent.
Desirable qualifications/professional memberships
- Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
- Working towards Incorporated Engineer status.
- Academic and/or vocational qualifications in electrical engineering.
Other requirements
Other requirements of the job role
- Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.
- Ability to carry out the physical requirements of the role (i.e. manual handling).
- Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay/South West/UK in order to carry out duties
- Ability to accommodate unsociable hours
- Ability to accommodate hybrid working and occasional out-of-hours working.
- DBS checked.