• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX (or other locations for work include Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds and Hybrid working
• Salary: £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
• Contract: Permanent

We’re passionate about improving the future for our customers, our communities and the environment. If you are too, join us as a Water Officer in our Protection Team within Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

As our Water Officer, you’ll play a vital part in ensuring Suffolk has the water infrastructure needed for effective firefighting. Every day, you’ll work closely with planners, developers, water companies and our own hydrant inspection teams to help keep communities safe.

Your tasks include but are not limited to:

• acting as the single point of contact for developers and planners regarding water supply requirements for new developments
• reviewing and responding to planning applications, ensuring new infrastructure supports firefighting needs
• leading and supporting the team of hydrant inspectors, helping to maintain and improve Suffolk’s hydrant network
• producing and overseeing Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service’s hydrant maintenance programme
• liaising with water undertakers to coordinate repairs, installations, inspections and water supply arrangements
• ensuring legislation such as the Fire Service Act 2004, Water Act 1960 and Town and Country Planning Act is applied correctly
• overseeing departmental budgets and contribute to business planning and strategic development
• representing the Service in key internal and external forums, such as S106 working groups and NFCC national meetings

Your work will directly contribute to ensuring firefighters always have access to the water they need when they need it.

You will need

• A Level 4 qualification in Business Management (or equivalent experience)
• strong organisational skills to manage consultations, data, and operational programmes
• the ability to lead and support a team, providing clear guidance and direction
• excellent communication skills and the ability to tailor technical information for different audiences
• confidence in managing relationships with external partners, negotiating positive outcomes, and resolving complaints constructively
• knowledge of the legislation relating to water for firefighting and planning frameworks
• the ability to prepare reports, risk assessments and present information to stakeholders.

We’d also love it if you have:

• project management experience
• NEBOSH certificate (desirable).

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

You’ll join a supportive and dedicated team within the Protection function of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. Working alongside inspecting officers, technical specialists and planning partners, we take pride in ensuring the safety of communities across Suffolk.

We work collaboratively, share ideas, and support each other to deliver the best outcomes for the county. Our work matters, and you’ll see the direct impact of everything you do.

Hybrid working is supported, and office days are typically based at Endeavour House. Other locations for work also included Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Ann Hurst, Station Manager, for a casual conversation. You can contact them by either calling 07784021511 or emailing ann.hurst@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – Complete the Supporting Statement template. (up to 500 words), providing evidence of your ability to meet the criteria. Examples can be drawn from all aspects of your work and life experience.

Step 4 – Upload your supporting statement and CV (without personal details). Applications without both documents will not be progressed.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412.

You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you’re invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 25 February 2026.

Interview date: Week commencing 2 March 2026 or 9 March 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).