Planning Advisor - 31155

In Wessex we want to create a diverse workplace where people are respected, valued and listened to. We’re all different, and by embracing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) we can become an equal opportunity employer where jointly we all grow and learn together.

It is our ambition to champion diversity through building a workforce as diverse as the communities we serve.

We're looking for a highly motivated Planning Advisor to join our Wessex Sustainable Places Team that engages with, and influences, local planning authorities and developers to secure the best possible environmental outcomes.

Your work will help make a better place for people and wildlife. It will help protect future generations from flooding, clean up land contamination, protect and improve water quality and enhance biodiversity. The Environmental Improvement Plan sets us all a big challenge and you'll be a key part of embedding new ideas in the planning system.

The successful candidates will be expected to:
- manage a case load of planning work for your geographical patch including consultations on planning applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, Marine Licence applications, pre-planning cost recovery enquiries and some local plan work.
- build relationships internally and externally so that you successfully influence environmental outcomes.
- coordinate and present advice from internal functions to a range of customers and partners.
- identify and embrace new ways of working, improving our efficiency and customer service.

The Sustainable Places Team provides high quality advice on environmental matters to Local Planning Authorities and developers. Our Wessex Area is diverse with major schemes, growth and strategic applications creating exciting opportunities and challenging workloads. You will join an enthusiastic and hardworking team who take pride in delivering results. 

We are a dispersed team based in the Bridgwater and Blandford Forum offices.

You'll be qualified to degree standard in a related discipline or have the relevant experience needed. Expected skills and experience include:

• Experience of relevant planning systems and key environmental issues.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency and its role and interaction within the Town and Country Planning System.
• A positive, approachable and enthusiastic attitude, with a drive to seek new innovative ways of working.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills and the ability to positively respond to changing and challenging priorities within set timescales.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong customer service, communication and relationship building skills – both written and verbal.
• Establishing and maintaining a wide network which benefits the business through confident negotiation and influencing.

We’re looking for candidates with enthusiasm and the right skills to succeed. Training and support will be provided.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Please see the candidate pack for more information on how you can support this.

The role can be based at Bridgwater or Blandford Forum Offices, with flexible home working included. As a dispersed team, there is an occasional need to travel. Flexible working arrangements are in place to support your work/life balance.

Interviews will be held either week beginning the 14th or 21st July.

For more information about the role please contact Katherine Burt (Sustainable Places Team Leader) katherine.burt@environment-agency.gov.uk , 07810 052991.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.

Effectively co-ordinates the Environment Agency’s response to planning consultations to protect & enhance the environment.

Please summarise your experience of working within the UK Town & Country Planning system.

PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.

Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Please can you tell us about a situation where your communication skills have made a difference. How did you adapt your style to that specific audience and situation? What was the outcome?

PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.

Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

Please can you give us an example of a piece of work you have delivered. What did you do, how did you manage the work and what were the outcomes?

PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept CV's and your answer to the following question will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action Result) can help when formulating your answers.

Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.

Please can you describe a time when you have provided good customer service, highlighting any benefits or challenges you may have experienced.

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