Planning Specialist (Town & Country Planning) - 17766

1
East Midlands
Kettering , Lincoln , Peterborough
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time Term Time, Compressed Hours
Planning
£36,389 pro-rata
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Planner to work as part of a team that engages with, and influences, local planning authorities, planning decision makers and developers to secure the best possible environmental outcomes.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Provide lead technical expertise, guidance, to the decision making of strategic, individual development proposals and planning appeals.
• Project manage our input into a number of high profile developments including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
• Influence the preparation and review of Local Plans including relevant policies, evidence base, and infrastructure delivery plans.
• Represent the Environment Agency as an expert witness at appeals and inquiries.
• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and customers, internally and externally, to maintain robust partnerships and influence environmental outcomes.
• Support and promote our focus on cost recovery.
• Keep up to date on changing legislation/case law/best practice externally.
• Train, mentor and/or coach other members of the team on policies, procedures, practices and techniques equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to deliver their work in an effective and efficient manner.
• Support the Team Leader in setting the strategic direction of the team.
The Sustainable Places Team provides high quality advice on environmental matters to Local Planning Authorities and developers. Our area is diverse with NSIPs, growth and strategic applications creating exciting opportunities and challenging workloads. You will join a positive, hard working team who take pride in delivering results.

We are a dispersed team based in the Kettering and Lincoln offices. Applications with a preferred office base of Peterborough will be considered.
The successful candidate will have a professionally recognised planning qualification, and either be a member of the RTPI or be eligible for membership. If not chartered you will be expected to gain accreditation as soon as practicable.

Proven experience of:

• Dealing with and advising on development issues and / or on complex environmental problems;
• Demonstrable successful influencing of organisations and individuals;
• Communicating strategic and technical issues to a range of audiences;
• Working with others to deliver environmental benefits.
• Outstanding technical knowledge and experience of dealing with a wide range of planning and related applications.

You’ll be an expert advisor on planning issues, taking and creating opportunities to achieve sustainable economic prosperity that protects and enhances our environment.

We will encourage you to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career.
The role may also require some external visits, so a full UK driving licence is essential.

We support flexible working hours and practices to help you strike a good balance between your work life and your personal life. We are developing a flexible working framework which combines the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the benefits of working in a virtual way. This can help us deliver our EA2025 goals and improve our work life balance.

If unsuccessful your application may be considered for future vacancies including fixed term assignments.

Should you need any further details please contact John O’Neill, Sustainable Places Team Leader, by email: john-edward.oneill@environment-agency.gov.uk

28/06/2021, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Achieves Results
Please provide an example of a time you have demonstrated the competency set out below (the answer you provide will be assessed as part of your application):

Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
Influences and Persuades Others
Influences and Persuades Others - Please note that your answers to the capability questions will be used to determine interview selection. Please give an example of a time that you had to present a case in a convincing and attractive way to win over your audience. Describe the obstacles you faced, the techniques you used and the outcomes you experienced.
Builds and Sustains Relationships
Please provide an example of a time you have demonstrated the competency set out below (the answer you provide will be assessed as part of your application):

Develops and maintains effective working relationships
Managing the Environment Agency’s Interaction in the Land Use Planning Process
Managing the Environment Agency’s Interaction in the Land use Planning Process – Your answers to the capability questions will be used to determine interview selection. Please summarise your experience of working with the UK town and country planning system. Please note, this does NOT have to be related to the Environment Agency.
UK Full Driving licence
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.