Gateshead Council jobs in Newcastle upon Tyne NE20

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

The Highways & Waste team are responsible for ensuring that Gateshead is a safe and attractive place in which people can live, work and spend free time. From waste strategy, including collection and recycling to the maintenance of our highways and street lighting. You’ve probably also noticed significant investment in the restoration of the Tyne Bridge, and our Highways team continue to play a pivotal role in that restoration project of a local landmark.

We are looking to recruit a Technician/Trainee Technician within the busy Street Lighting team in the Highways division to assist in the provision of technical services by providing street lighting designs to enable installation of street lighting schemes and maintenance of street lighting.

The successful candidate will undertake a hybrid working policy where time will be divided between working from home and working at the office. The successful candidate will also be required to hold a full valid driving license or be committed to learning within 2 years as they will be recquired to drive around the authority to investigate faults, complaints and attend meetings.

What you'll get to do:

• Survey, design and produce specifications for highway street lighting and electrical works. Tendering & estimating.
• Street lighting design using AutoCAD and Lighting Reality.
• Preparation of design drawings, specifications and bills of quantities for highway maintenance schemes.
• Specify and procure street lighting and electrical materials and services.
• Provision of quotations and estimates for street lighting and electrical works.
• Setting out of Street Lighting works.
• Scheme measurement, costing and valuation; for street lighting.
• Monitor and control standards of work to ensure compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Ensuring that complaints, queries and requests for service are responded to effectively and efficiently.
• To be aware of and observe the Council’s financial regulations, safety policy, industry codes of practice and technical development; to encourage good practice in these fields and to establish and maintain sound commercial practice.
• To deliver quality services within an appropriate framework (Eg. Quality & Environmental Management) and increase customer satisfaction.
• To be proactive in all aspects of health & safety management to comply with current legislation & CDM.
• Such other responsibilities to allocate as appropriate to the grade of the post.

What you'll bring:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 94 (AC), including Mathematics and English, or equivalent qualifications
• NVQ in Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), or equivalent
• Full current driving licence
• Knowledge of the principles of Electrical or Electronic Engineering
• Understanding of the principles of design for street lighting
• Knowledge of the principles of health and safety
• Use of AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design (CAD) system
• Effective oral and written communication skills, with strong numeracy ability
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word) or equivalent software
• Ability to work to deadlines and prioritise workload effectively

What’s in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you’ll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via recruitment@gateshead.gov.uk

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.