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Vacancies

Current employment opportunities

Catchment Engineer (Great Ouse Area)


37 HOURS PER WEEK
although part-time would be considered.


ANNUAL SALARY: £55,000 - £65,000
(Depending on qualifications and experience) plus attractive benefits package including:


•Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
•26 days holiday, rising in increments to 29 days after 6 years continuous service, (plus Bank Holiday)
•Essential Car User Allowance


The Upper Ouse Water Management Board is a local public authority that manage flood risk and land drainage within its catchment. The Board has permissive powers to undertake water management activities within their Internal Drainage District. The purpose of delivering this work is to reduce flood risk to people and property and to manage water in a way that meets the local needs of business and agriculture whilst also dealing with its obligations and commitments to the environment.


The Board maintains an arterial drainage network and exercises a general power of supervision over all matters relating to water level management within their district whilst conducting their work in accordance with a number of general environmental duties and promoting the ecological wellbeing of their districts.


The Board also uses its powers under the Land Drainage Act 1991 (including the Board’s Byelaws) to ensure that development is carried out sustainably within the Boards’ Drainage Districts and upland catchment areas. This is done by regulating works on, or affecting, the watercourses within the Drainage District.


The Board is newly constituted Board (order made January 2026, effective April 2026) further to the amalgamation of three pre-existing Boards who have worked together since 2001 from their shared base in Stewartby, Bedfordshire.
The role is focused on leading expert proactive engagement with new development and third-party works within the Board’s catchment including major developments such as urban expansions, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects and Universal Studios.


The post holder will be responsible for leading the Board’s regulatory role, ensuring that development is carried out sustainably within the Boards’ Drainage District and upland catchment area.
The successful candidate will likely have experience working in a senior technical role within the Water Management Industry or an engineering based role in a related field.


For more details about this position, see the job description and person specification here, contact WMA Head of Catchment Services, Cathryn Brady on 01234 767995 or email cathryn.brady@wlma.org.uk with any further questions regarding the opportunity.


TO APPLY:
Please submit your CV and covering letter by email to cathryn.brady@wlma.org.uk or alternatively by post to WMA Head of Catchment Services, Cathryn Brady, Vale House, Broadmead Road, Stewartby, Bedfordshire, MK43 9ND. The closing date for receipt of applications is noon on 7th April 2026. Interviews are anticipated to take place 16th & 17th April 2026.


We look forward to receiving your application.

 

 

We are always looking for people to join our teams and although current career opportunities are shown below, we want to hear from anyone looking for new challenges with any of the following skills at ANY time!

  • Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Graduates looking for their first role OR with post graduate experience with an engineering consultancy or contracting background
  • Experienced project managers with PRINCE qualifications or similar.
  • Ecologists, environmental science graduates or those with a passion for rivers.
  • Machine operators, tractor drivers, flail operators.

Even if you don’t meet any of the criteria above, if you like the sound of the Bedford Group as a place to work get in contact! contact@idbs.org.uk

 

Career Opportunities

Working for us

If you choose to work for the Bedford Group or any of its Member Boards, you will be joining an organisation which is striving to provide employees with a positive employment experience. Whether you work for us as an operative or as a member of the senior management team, there will be a considerable variety of challenges in your diverse workload, and you will be offered real opportunities for career development. All staff have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, as well as a number of other benefits.

Passionate about Drainage and Water Level Management

The Bedford Group and its Member Boards have a low staff turnover, testament to our culture and working environment. If you are offered a position, you will get to work alongside and influence a number of professional and committed people, passionate about Drainage, Water Level Management and Local Democracy.

Equal opportunities

We want our workforce to reflect the make-up of the communities we serve. Therefore, we welcome all applications irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation, age or disability. We consider ourselves to be a family friendly employer and offer flexible working patterns. All staff are expected to observe the Employees Code of Conduct.