Planning Specialist (Green Growth) - 35045

Planning Specialist (Green Growth) - 35045
1
London, South East
Welwyn Garden City
DEFRA GRP EA ALCHEMY, AL7 1HE
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Operational Delivery
Full Time, Part Time
£43,198 Pro Rata

21/05/2026, 23:55 hours

PC05 Partnerships & Customers, Grade 5

Basic Check

We are recruiting an experienced Planning Specialist to support the effective programme delivery of several exciting major developments, including Berkeley Homes, Meridian Water, National Grid and Luton Airport expansion. In this role, you will play a central role in how the Environment Agency engages with the Planning Inspectorate/local authorities and developers on the key issues of flood risk, water resources and quality, remediation of contaminated land, and biodiversity.

As one of our Planning Specialists, you will: 

  • seek opportunities to engage early and influence early stages of development proposals.
  • provide expert advice and input to pre-application and statutory planning stages.
  • provide technical leadership which inspires and motivates the team and colleagues.
  • work collaboratively and develop excellent relationships with customers and stakeholders.
  • focus on achieving integrated solutions that progress continuous improvement.
  • maintain awareness of political and social issues which may impact our engagement, advising the team on risks and opportunities.
  • contribute to national networks, bringing learning and updates to strengthen our team and work.

Hertfordshire and North London Area have a proven history of working with partners in the delivery of large and complex infrastructure projects. Demonstrating that we add value by helping de-risk programme delivery, whilst maintaining regulatory duties. This role provides an opportunity to build on this success and contribute to creating a better place for people and wildlife.

You’ll join our Green Growth and Delivery Team. We lead on a portfolio of major infrastructure and mixed-use developments, including one of the UK’s most high‑profile infrastructure projects, the expansion of Heathrow Airport.

We’re part of the Operations Directorate and are a Hertfordshire and North London Area team.

We’re a multi-functional team, combining expertise across flood risk, water and land management, and waste. We work with a wide range of technical teams across the country.

In your capability-based answers, please demonstrate your:

  • ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
  • knowledge of the UK planning system and relevant legislation, including Town & Country Planning and the Development Consent Order regime.
  • ability to deal with/advising on development issues and/or on complex environmental problems
  • excellent interpersonal skills
  • ability to communicate strategic and technical issues to a range of audiences
  • ability to achieve results and proactively identify and solve problems.

It would be helpful, but not essential, if you had:

  • an understanding of the political framework the EA works within
  • project management skills.
  • membership or demonstration of progression towards membership of a relevant professional body.

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

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.

You’ll be based at our Alchemy Office in Welwyn Garden City and we work to a hybrid model, allowing you to work from home and the office. Some travel may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact matt.parr@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held in person during mid to late June.

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.

up to 24 months
Managing the Environment Agency’s Interaction in the Land Use Planning Process
Effectively co-ordinates the Environment Agency’s response to planning consultations to protect & enhance the environment

Question: Please describe a time or situation where you provided timely and effective specialist technical advice, on a difficult land use planning consultation, to protect & enhance the environment.
Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Question: Describe a time or situation when you have successfully affected, shaped or transformed the opinions of others, which led to a subsequent change in their behaviours and actions. How did you structure your engagement? What was the outcome?
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.

Question: Describe an example where you managed the needs of multiple customers, where priorities conflicted or a customer was dissatisfied. How did you approach the situation and what was the outcome?
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.

Question: Describe a time when you were faced with a complex problem, that required a decision to be made. How did you approach the situation and what solution did you decide upon?



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

Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
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.