Operations Assistant

Applications are invited for the position of Operations Assistant. The position is to be based at the Board's office in Canterbury but the role will also require working throughout the Board's district.

A principal duty, which requires regular lone-working, will be to inspect Board assets and works throughout its district, which runs from Ashford in the West to Sandwich in the East (the full extent of the district can be viewed on the Board's website). Many of these assets and sites are situated in remote locations with restricted access (e.g. unmade footpaths and riverbanks on farmland). A full driving licence is therefore required.

Other duties will include; assisting our Water Level Controller to operate and maintain water level control assets, assisting our Operations Officer in inspecting works, liaising with landowners and contractors and assisting our Technical Officer in assessing and processing Land Drainage Consents in accordance with the Land Drainage Act and IDB Byelaws; assisting enforcement actions and supporting/covering a range of other operational activities.

The position will require some heavy manual handling and some lone-working (risk managed in accordance with the Board's policies), therefore the successful applicant must be willing and able to visit remote locations across the Board's district as well as be willing and able to work in the office. Hence familiarity with MS Office and GIS will be an advantage.

Applicants should ideally have experience of working in flood risk management. The Board strives to protect and enhance local biodiversity through all aspects of its activities, so a knowledge of water related biodiversity issues would also be an advantage.

The River Stour (Kent) IDB works in partnership with Local Authorities, the Environment Agency and other local partners to provide land drainage, to reduce local flood risks to land and property, and to protect and enhance the natural environment. Further information regarding the Board and its activities can be found on its website: www.rsidb.org.uk.

A standard 37 hours per week, including some weekend working (paid or with time off in lieu - to be agreed). Overtime and out of hours working may also be required., The position offers a competitive salary (subject to qualifications and experience), company vehicle (4x4), a minimum of 23 days annual leave and membership of a Local Government Pension Scheme (optional). Any job offer will be subject to a 6-month probationary period. Shortlisted candidates may also be required to attend a day visiting various sites to ensure a fuller understanding of the role and to assess suitability, for which reasonable expenses will be paid.