Fixed term for up to 12 months
Why join us
We believe in putting our people first – we work hard every day to make sure everyone can achieve a healthy and enjoyable work-life-balance. That is why we have a very flexible hours system that means your home life comes first. We also believe in each of us challenging and improving ourselves – the opportunities to go further and be better at what you do are there for those that want them. We love success and we reward hard work.
We are seen as being customer focused, approachable and business-like. We are honest and open and are renowned for providing a high quality cost-effective service.
About the role
Do you enjoy working in a varied, fast-paced environment? Are you interested in place-making and shaping the future of districts?
An opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, enthusiastic candidate with a keen interest in planning. We are looking for an ambitious Planning Officer committed to good place-making and high-quality customer service. The role will offer a diverse and interesting range of tasks to get involved in, as well as opportunities to develop professionally.
The successful applicant will join the councils at an important time to help deliver the work of the policy team. The immediate focus will be working with a team of over 20 professionals to progress the Joint Local Plan through examination. We are two positive local authorities to work for, seeking to develop innovative approaches and deliver best practice policies.
You can expect to assist in topics or sections of the plan and evidence base, work with our neighbouring authorities on cross-boundary matters, support public consultations and support a wide range of other activities engaged with by the team. It’s an opportunity to help shape tomorrow in a beautiful, vibrant part of the world.
If you think you are ready to grow and develop your skills in a stimulating and rewarding role within a friendly planning policy team, please do apply.
Essential criteria for the role
- Do you have a degree or post graduate degree in Town Planning, a related discipline, or equivalent level of experience - and are working towards RTPI Student/Licentiate member?
- Do you have some experience of working in planning and within a customer focused environment dealing with the public?
- Do you have a basic knowledge of planning policy and planning legislation?
- Are you able to communicate ideas and expectations clearly and succinctly, using plain language?
- Do you have good, accurate written communication skills and good negotiating skills?
- Are you able to research concepts / projects, use your own initiative and carry out activities with minimal supervision?
Key responsibilities for the role
- Assist in the production of the Local Plan
- Assist in the carrying out of research into a variety of topics as part of the work on the preparation of the Local Plan and other policy documents.
- Assist in the writing of briefs for consultants and in managing their contracts for specialist work and projects.
- Assist in the preparation of draft sections of the Local Plan and supplementary planning documents, and papers and reports on the Local Plan and other planning policy issues, including consultation documents for officers and Members.
- Attend meetings (including evening meetings when requested).
- Assist in the preparation and conduct of consultations on the Local Plan and other planning policy documents, including attendance at exhibitions and meetings.
- Assist in the preparation and presentation of evidence supporting the council’s case at examinations, hearings and public inquiries.
- Provide professional advice (in written form, by email, over the phone and in person) and training on planning policy and development matters to the public, Members and other professionals.
- Provide professional advice and input into other council policy documents and initiatives and to the Development Management Team on minor planning and other applications, where planning policy issues are involved.
- Assist in other aspects of the team’s work, including input into county and other larger than local planning arrangements, management of the National Landscapes, nature conservation and transportation matters.
- Assist in monitoring planning policies.
- Present at Cabinet Member Briefing and Round Table Sessions.
The duties may vary from time to time without changing the nature of the post or the level of responsibility and the post holder may also be required to carry out any other duties appropriate to the grading of the post.
A full list of the duties this role provides, as well as the benefits we offer, can be found within the job description.
Please note that we do not hold a sponsor licence and are unable to support visa applications. To be considered for this role, you must already have the legal right to work in the UK. If you are unsure about your eligibility, please refer to the UK Government’s guidance before applying.
Thank you for taking the time to read our advert, we look forward to receiving your application.
