Purpose of the post
•The Structures Maintenance Engineer is responsible for undertaking statutory inspections of highway-related structures, including bridges, tunnels, culverts, retaining walls, and other associated assets. Inspections will be carried out in accordance with the relevant Inspection Manual and the Bridge Inspection and Certification Scheme (BICS) accreditation standards, ensuring accurate and consistent assessments of asset condition.
•The postholder will carry out both Principal and General Inspections, identifying structural defects, deterioration, and potential safety risks. They will compile clear, comprehensive inspection reports, providing accurate records and recommendations to inform asset management strategies, maintenance programmes, and compliance with statutory and industry requirements.
•To assist the Senior Structures Maintenance Engineer in managing the routine highway structures maintenance programme for over 2000 structures. Develop specialist expertise to ensure efficiency of maintenance operations is maximised. Take a leading role and be innovative in overall inspection and maintenance service delivery within the Bridge Management Unit.
•Apply engineering principles to determine future inspection intervals.
•Identify structures that require additional measures to detemine its safe continued use by following the Principles Insception Inteval Risk Assessment (PIIRA).
•To manage junior team members, within the Unit and the Service as a whole, and provide leadership to junior team members
•To assist the Senior Structures Maintenance Engineer in managing the commissioning and management of consultants and contractors. To assist in the resolution of contractual matters with organisations such as contractors & consultants.
•To be aware of and act upon new procedures introduced in accordance with NMWTRA policies and procedures as well as national developments.
•To fulfil requirements of health and safety and environmental legislation.
•To acquire and maintain an up to date knowledge of:­
1.Current best practice in highway structures inspection and maintenance issues
2.Method of procurement for external contractors and consultants necessary to meet service delivery requirements.
3.Technical standards and developments (including computer systems currently in use), and professional and statutory responsibilities (including e.g. those under the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, Wildlife & Countryside Act 1982, Habitat Regulations 1994 and appropriate Regulations e.g. CDM regulations) and of their application relevant to the work and functions being carried out.
Responsibility for functions
•Vehicles and IT equipment relevant to the duties.
•All inspection equipment used in the role including specialist equipment on hire.
•All personal protective equipment.
•Staff management for Structures Maintenance Technicians.
•Assisting in the management of Inspection and related maintenance budgets.
•To deputise for the Senior Maintenance Engoneer in their absence.
•To assist the Senior Structures Maintenance Engineer to financially manage inspection and maintence service delivery within available budgets.
Main duties
•Carry out Principal and General Inspections of highway structures (including road bridges, river crossings, culverts, retaining walls, and other related assets) in accordance with Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, BICS accreditation standards and the Welsh Government Inspection Manual.
•Record and assess the condition of structural elements, identifying defects, deterioration, and potential hazards.
•Compile accurate, detailed inspection reports, including condition ratings, photographs, and maintenance recommendations.
•Ensure inspection records are completed in line with statutory requirements, industry standards, and local authority procedures.
•Liaise with engineers, asset managers, and other stakeholders to provide technical input on inspection findings.
•Support the planning and prioritisation of maintenance, repairs, and improvement works based on inspection outcomes.
•Undertake site visits in a variety of environments, including working at height, in confined spaces, or in the vicinity of water, following all relevant health and safety requirements.
•Develop their BICS accreditation and keep up to date with changes in inspection standards, techniques, and legislation.
•Assist in emergency inspections following incidents or extreme weather events.
•Actively progress towards certification at ‘Inspector’ or ‘Senior Inspector’ level through the Bridge Inspector Competency Scheme (BICS).
•Develop and maintain a practical and professional relationship with Welsh Government representatives, NMWTRA Partner Authority Service Providers, external Contractors and Consultants both framework and non-framework.
•to assist in the preparation of cost estimates, create risk assessments and method statements, plan highway structures inspection requirements, produce programmes. Monitor actual progress against forecasts and take necessary remedial action.
•to liaise with other organisations including WG, statutory undertakers, other authorities, and individuals concerning all aspects of the Service delivery.
•Responsibility for self-development.
•Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations in the workplace including site based activities in accordance with the responsibilities noted in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
•Operate within the Council’s policies in relation to equal opportunities and equality.
•Responsible for managing information in accordance with the Council’s information management guidelines. Ensure that personal information is treated in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
•Commitment to reducing the Council’s carbon emissions and to encourage others to act positively towards reducing the Council’s Carbon Footprint.
•This is an illustrative list only. The post holder is expected to have a role in the process of managing and monitoring performance in accordance with the requirement of the post and to carry out other duties relevant to the nature and grade of the post in accordance with the Head of Service/Manager or Strategic Director's request.
Special circumstances
•the requirement to work outside office hours when programme and road space constraints require. E.g. night time and weekend road, tunnel closures. Potential to work during weekends when for example rail bridge access is available.
•To be fit and able to undertake the following tasks
a)Working in and/or near water
b)Working in Confined Spaces (Culvert, Abutment Beams)
c)Working at Height (MEWP, Ladders)
d)Working adjacent to live traffic on high-speed road network
•the ability to manage staff and the service within financial and legal restrictions
•the ability to work under pressure and motivate staff.