Clerk of Works

Clerk of Works

Permanent, Full Time

£33,716 to £39,665 per annum

Location: Colchester

Working Style: Anywhere worker

Closing Date: 7th January 2026 (11:59pm)

The Role

Essex Highways is responsible for managing and maintaining one of the largest highway networks in the country: 5,000 miles of roads and around 5,000 miles of footways. Essex Highways is a delivery partnership between Essex County Council and our contractual partner.  As an Essex County Council employee you will work alongside our contractual partner to deliver road maintenance, street lighting, drainage and flooding, winter travel, road safety, traffic management, highway development, bridges and structures, grass and vegetation, bus stops and bus shelters, public rights of way and roads strategies for users of Essex highways.

The Clerk of Works engages with the private sector and district authorities to develop and deliver developer funded highway schemes and residential vehicle crossings. The role will decide what can be adopted by the Highways Authority and ensure ongoing liabilities are minimised.

Possesses a New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) accreditation Supervisor Certificate, with proven experience in the effective inspection of the construction of a wide range of highway schemes and conversant in the use of different materials and construction methods. To read more about our business area, please visit: Climate, Environment and Customer Services

Accountabilities

Responsible for monitoring works for compliance with approved drawings/specification and are constructed in accordance with the Development Construction Manual, Design Manual of Roads and Bridges, NRSWA 1991 and TMA 2004 requirements and are of high quality.

Responsible for obtaining samples of materials for testing and analysis to ensure that works meet the standard required in the relevant specification which will include Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 and other construction/H&S related law.

Responsible for identifying snags, and remedial works required and pursuing any breaches to ensure all construction works on Residential Vehicle Crossings comply with the requirements of the Highways Practice Note on Vehicle Crossings.

Work collaboratively with contractors to meet agreed programme documenting progress on site through accurate weekly and/or ad hoc records.

Maintain oversight of contractor’s operational compliance with Health and Safety legislation, bringing to their immediate attention all noted instances of non-compliance.

Responsible for ensuring all private roads, subject to the Advance Payments Code are constructed to an appropriate standard, to allow the release of monies lodged under the code. If a developer does not lodge monies and formal action is taken through the Magistrates Court, supply all necessary information.

The Experience You Will Bring

• Possesses a New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) accreditation Supervisor Certificate.
• Evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in relevant professional area. Membership of the Institute of Clerk of Works, or working towards this.
• Proven experience in the effective inspection of the construction of a wide range of highway schemes, conversant in the use of different materials and construction methods.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety Legislation as it affects works on the highway including Construction, Design and Management Regulations and Chapter 8 Construction Skills Certification Scheme Yellow ‘Regular Visitors’ card holder as a minimum.
• Proven competence in Confined Spaces entry procedures with escape sets and working in the vicinity of DNO/IDNO equipment (including G39/1).
• Knowledge of Highway Authority and Local Government policies, practices and procedures in relation to highways maintenance.
• Good IT skills encompassing the use of remote data capture device and inspection recording systems
• Good communication skills, verbal and written, with experience of dealing with contractors, elected Members and the public.

Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.

Why Essex?

As one of the largest and most dynamic UK local authorities, Essex offers a stimulating public service environment. Covering over 1,420 square miles and serving 1.8 million residents, we’re committed to transformational change and delivering better quality at lower cost. Recognised in the top three of the latest IMPOWER index for productivity, we ensure everyone matters in Everyone's Essex . With flexible working options and a focus on innovation, whether you are looking to develop your career or contribute to the local community, Essex is the ideal place for you.

In February 2025 , Greater Essex was accepted onto the Government’s devolution priority programme, which will see local authorities in Essex work towards establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority by May 2026. You can read more about devolution and local government reorganisation (LGR ) on our careers site.

Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.

Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs.

At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct and the Nolan principles , including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription, and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to be kept up to date on other relevant opportunities, blogs, news, events and industry related news at Essex County Council, please join The Essex Talent Community

If you have queries on this role or require anything further, please email resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk

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