Temporary Graduate Civil Engineering Officer

Job Description

This document is also available in Welsh.

RCT Council's Graduate Programme 2026

A Graduate Placement with Award-Winning RCT Council is a step towards an excellent career.

Making A Difference with RCT Council

This is an exciting and challenging time for RCT Council as we continue to provide high-quality services while delivering value for money. The role of local government in shaping the future of local communities is more important than ever. Working in Local Government offers some of the most intellectually stimulating challenges, as we provide services that affect thousands of lives in many different ways.

Maximise Your Potential

RCT Council is preparing to recruit to its Graduate Programme, offering fantastic opportunities to work in a vibrant environment, learn new and transferable skills, meet people from a range of backgrounds and develop a professional career in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

All Graduate Officers will be supported to complete either a Level 4 Project Management qualification or job-related technical training (all fully funded) as part of the programme.

Civil Engineering within Highways & Engineering

Our Highways & Engineering service delivers an effective, responsive and high-quality civil engineering function across the authority. The team is involved in a broad range of schemes, from small-scale local improvements to complex, multi-million-pound infrastructure projects. The work is varied, fast-paced and continually evolving, offering an excellent environment for professional growth.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking a motivated Graduate Officer to work across both the Infrastructure & Asset Management and the Traffic & Transportation department. This role offers exposure to the full lifecycle of civil engineering activities, including feasibility assessments, detailed design, preparation of contract documentation, contract management and site supervision.

You will need to be highly organised, able to prioritise competing deadlines and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. A strong interest in engineering and a commitment to developing your professional skills are essential, as you will be contributing to projects that shape our communities and support the future of the region's infrastructure.

Essential Criteria

A minimum 2:2 degree with honours in Civil Engineering which is accredited to the Institution of Civil Engineers for entry as an ICE member (MICE) and registration with the Engineering Council as an incorporated engineer (IEng) membership is essential for this position.

Use of AI Tools

If you decide to use AI tools to assist with drafting, reviewing, or refining your application, make sure that:

• The content accurately represents your own experiences and qualifications
• You can clearly and confidently explain all aspects of your submission
• Your unique perspective comes through clearly

Application Form/Competencies

Each competency response must be limited to a maximum of 200 words and only your first 200 words for each response will be considered. Any response exceeding this limit may result in the application not being reviewed or shortlisted.

Staff Benefits Package

• Tailored induction programme
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Graduate Co-ordinator
• Hybrid working opportunities
• Pension Scheme
• 26 days annual leave (Plus bank holidays)
• Financial management scheme
• Subsidised membership fees for Leisure Centres within RCT
• Vivup discount card for businesses

Protecting children and vulnerable adults is a core responsibility of all staff appointed to the Council.

The Council values diversity in its workforce. We are committed to ensuring that no unlawful discrimination occurs in the recruitment and selection process on the grounds of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, transgender, including those with non-binary identities, religion or belief or pregnancy and maternity. We offer a number of staff networks for employees including the Allies Network, a Disability and Carers Network and Perthyn our LGBTQ+ Network.

An application submitted for this post in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English. As part of the Council's longer term objectives in relation to the Welsh language and its Workforce Planning Strategy, it is committed to a guaranteed interview scheme for Welsh-speakers of Level 3 and above. If you meet the essential criteria as identified in the person specification for the job and are a Welsh-speaker of Level 3 and above, you will be invited to interview if you choose to participate in the scheme.

In view of the large number of Application Forms which are currently being submitted, individual applications are not acknowledged. Consequently, if you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application is unsuccessful on this occasion. In which case, you are thanked for the interest you have shown in applying for a position within the Council.

In support of the Council's voluntary pledge to support the Armed Forces, the recruiter must always be prepared to ensure that applicants who have identified themselves as members of the Armed Forces including Service Leavers, Veterans or Reservists and who meet the essential criteria of the person specification, are offered an interview.