Internal Vacancy - Please note that in accordance with the Council’s policy, employees who are in a formal redeployment situation will be considered in the first instance for all vacancies.

*This job may be suitable as a secondment opportunity for internal candidates wishing to gain experience in a higher or different role. Managers and applicants must note that all secondments are subject to agreement between the relevant departments and therefore the recruiting manager must speak with HR before offering a job on a secondment basis.*

Highways Inspector

Wirral Council is looking for a dedicated and proactive Highways Inspector to join our Streetscene service. This is a key frontline role ensuring our highway network is safe, well‑maintained, and operating effectively for all users.

As the local highway authority, we have a statutory duty to maintain our roads and manage utility works. You will play a vital part in delivering these responsibilities—combining on-site inspections with technical assessment, contractor monitoring, and direct engagement with residents, councillors, and partners.

About the role:

As a Highways Inspector, you will:

• Carry out inspections of highways and Streetscene assets in line with Council policy.
• Monitor utility companies and contractors to ensure compliance with legislation including the Highways Act 1980 and New Roads and Street Works Act 1991.
• Identify maintenance needs, raise work instructions, oversee completion, and ensure works meet required standards.
• Conduct site meetings, resolve customer enquiries, and manage complex correspondence with residents and businesses.
• Gather photographic and written evidence relating to defects, compliance breaches, and third‑party liability claims—with potential to attend court.
• Support winter maintenance and emergency call-out arrangements.
• Provide accurate data to inform the planning of future maintenance programmes.
• Carry out Street Works inspections (Categories A, B, and C) to maximise income and ensure adherence to statutory requirements.

This is a varied role that combines technical knowledge, problem‑solving, fieldwork, and public engagement.

About the candidate:

We would like to hear from you if you have experience of highway maintenance, street works, and dealing with contractors working in a highway environment. Above all you will be looking to engage with our employees/residents/customers to ensure they are at the heart of everything we do.

You will bring:

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• Supervisor accreditation under the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991.
• Knowledge of highway legislation, including NRSWA, the Highways Act 1980, and the Traffic Management Act 2004.
• Strong IT skills (e.g., Microsoft Office) and the ability to use business management systems.
• Good communication, literacy, and numeracy skills.
• Experience working in highway environments and dealing with contractors.

Desirable

• ONC or equivalent in civil/highway engineering.
• Understanding of Chapter 8 Traffic Signs Manual.
• Experience preparing statements or giving evidence in court.
• Knowledge of the DfT Specification for Highway Works.
• Experience of winter service operations.

If the successful candidate does not meet all the qualifications set out in the essential criteria, then these qualifications must be obtained within an agreed timescale.

In the first instance, and for an informal chat or more information about the role, please contact Brian Smith, via email at briansmith@wirral,gov.uk.

Interviews to be held week commencing 12^th October 2026.

As part of our Talent Strategy, we’re committed to strengthening opportunities for our people to learn, grow, progress and thrive. For many of you, this may be preparing and applying for your next role with us, and we're passionate about ensuring you feel supported throughout your internal recruitment experience. Please get in touch if you want to know more about some of the ways in which we could support you by emailing recruitment@wirral.gov.uk

^{It is Council policy not to re-appoint any employee who has left under the terms of the Council's Early Voluntary Retirement (EVR) scheme or who have left with a voluntary severance (VS) package, unless in exceptional circumstances.}

^{Applications will be accepted until midnight on the closing date.}

^{We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications.}

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^{All applicants invited to interview must evidence their right to work in the UK.  Details of required documents can be found by clicking the link at the bottom of the Jobs page.}

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