Sustainable Places Planning Advisor - 33061

Sustainable Places Planning Advisor - 33061
2
South West
Bodmin , Exeter
DEFRA GRP EA MANLEY HOUSE, EX2 7LQ, DEFRA GRP EA SIR JOHN MOORE HOUSE, PL31 1EB
Staff Grade 3
Permanent
Environment & Sustainability, Operational Delivery
Full Time, Part Time
£29,751

13/05/2026, 23:55 hours

PC03 Partnerships & Customers, Grade 3

Basic Check

Do you want to work for an organisation that values differences and includes everyone? Then the Environment Agency is the organisation for you! We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies. 

Looking for a career where you will make a real difference? Would you like to join a team who are passionate about tackling the climate and nature emergencies through our three strategic goals:  

  • Healthy air, land and water supporting nature's recovery 
  • Sustainable growth 
  • A nation resilient to climate change 

Do you see the opportunities through influencing future growth and development to deliver these goals? Then please read on, we may be able to offer you a very rewarding role. 

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly (DCIS) Sustainable Places Team. As a planning advisor, you will play a vital role in managing the Environment Agency’s interaction with the Town & Country Planning process, supporting the team to manage planning consultations from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and developers across the Area. 

Your work will involve:  

  • coordinating and screening planning applications and enquiries received from LPAs and developers, logging this caseload onto our dedicated system
  • responding to pre-development enquiries, low risk consultations, and administering our chargeable planning advice service  
  • generating data to support the management of workloads 
  • providing a positive planning service to our customers  
  • building effective relationships with our internal consultees
You’ll join our DCIS Sustainable Places Team. We deliver the EA's role as a statutory consultee in the Town Planning system. We work closely with internal technical experts across the EA providing high quality advice to LPAs and developers, influencing new developments so that it takes account of flood risk, protects the water environment and is resilient to the challenge of climate change, whilst also securing the best possible outcomes for communities and the environment.

Essential: 
You will be able to demonstrate the following:  

  • Passion for people and the environment – a genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment. 
  • Excellent organisational skills – able to manage your own workload and meet deadlines 
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage and enthuse others 
  • Teamwork and collaboration – strong ability to work well with others and share ideas 
  • Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook applications
  • Self-motivation and ability to work independently 
  • Adaptability and prioritisation – ability to adapt and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines

There is no requirement for your background to be in the planning sector as this role is entry level. We are looking for individuals with transferable skills and a drive to secure positive outcomes for communities and the environment.   

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided. 

You can be based at either the Exeter or Bodmin office. There will be some travel between our offices e.g. for team meetings. Travel outside of the area may be required occasionally e.g. for training.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. 

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. 
 
Interviews will be held via MS Teams early June 2026. 
 
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. 

Please read the Candidate Pack for information. Any queries, contact emma.whereat@environment-agency.gov.uk

Works in Teams
Works co-operatively as part of a team to achieve common goals.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Describe a time when your contribution to team working achieved a common goal.
Achieves Results
Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Describe a time when you have been successful in delivering results whilst managing a very demanding workload with competing pressures.
Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Describe a time when you have had to solve a problem within a short timeframe.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the  Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.