Job title: Assistant Civil Engineer

Department: Civil Engineering, Department of Marine Operations

Reporting to: Civil Engineer

Grade: 7

Salary: £45,189 per annum (plus car allowance of £4,377 per annum)

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 2 March 2025

Interview date: 10 March 2025

Who we are:

The Port of London Authority is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames and responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock in West London. We work to keep river users safe, protect and enhance the environment and promote the use of the river for trade and travel. The Civil Engineering team is responsible for structures on over 60 PLA sites, across a vast area ranging from Margate and Clacton-on-Sea in the east, to Richmond in the west.

The role:

We are looking for an Assistant Engineer who will plan, design, specify and manage the maintenance, repair or replacement of the PLA's civil engineering and building infrastructure including offices, workshops, jetties, brows, causeways, radar towers and lighthouses.

Responsibilities:

Inspection & Maintenance

• Coordinate and take responsibility for carrying out structural surveys and inspections and produce reports on PLA infrastructures with recommendations on structural and safety, security matters.
• Implement routine remedial works and assist in providing costed recommendations for major overhaul or replacement of assets.
• Recognise wider matters requiring urgent action and escalate to appropriate PLA managers when appropriate

Project Management

• Plan, supervise and manage civil engineering projects from inception through to completion including technical and financial control reporting to senior engineers as necessary.
• Prepare tender documents, consisting of conditions of contract, specifications, bills of quantities and drawings to assist the Procurement department in obtaining competitive tenders from suitable contractors, produce tender reports and advise on contract award.
• Analyse tenders from contractors and produce tender reports and advise on contract award.
• Liaise with consultants appointed to carry out works for PLA to achieve the aims outlined by senior engineers.

Design/ Technical

• Develop outline and detailed designs for maintenance and new build projects that comply with current legislation and are practical and cost effective.
• Produce and update technical drawings using AutoCAD software. Maintain strict office discipline in creation, revising and issuing drawings and documents.
• Evaluate and critically review designs by contractors or consultants.

Finance

• Prepare and submit feasibility studies, business plans and financial documentation, including whole life costings, to provide clear justification for expenditure.
• Monitor and control project finances within budget based on a high level of commercial and contractual understanding
• Identify cost effective and practical solutions having regard to budgetary constraints with due emphasis given to H&S and sustainable development and in accordance with current design standards.
• Manage and liaise with external consultants working for PLA to ensure agreed service levels achieved.
• Manage contractors to produce works to the correct specification, on time and within budget.

Safety

• Implement safe systems of working based on risk management and safety legislation.
• Prepare documents required by Construction Design and Management regulations for projects and take responsibility in the role of Client, Designer, CDM Co-ordinator or Principal Contractor as required.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement in health, safety and welfare.
• Prepare and present tool-box talks and site inductions to promote good practice and a culture of safety awareness.
• Provide emergency response on civil engineering issues during and outside normal working hours.

What we are looking for:

The postholder will possess the following:

• ICE accredited degree in Civil Engineering
• Graduate member of the ICE and working towards chartered or incorporated engineer status.
• A sound knowledge of building and civil engineering construction, construction methods and Health & Safety legislation.
• Proficient in the use of Autodesk engineering software e.g. AutoCAD, Revit and Civil 3D.
• A knowledge and understanding of a range of standard forms of civil engineering contract.
• A knowledge of relevant Eurocodes, British Standards, Building Regulations, Health and Safety and Environmental regulations.
• A minimum of one year’s relevant experience in management of building and civil engineering works.
• A full UK driving licence is preferred.

Benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Dan Johnson, Civil Engineer on daniel.johnson@pla.co.uk.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.