Sustainable Places Technical Specialist - 28803

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role.

Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be asked to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available to support you with your incident role. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.

We have an opportunity for a Grade 5 Planning Specialist to join the Yorkshire Sustainable Places Team.
The planning system is a key tool helping deliver sustainable growth, including new housing and infrastructure. This exciting and challenging role focuses on engaging and influencing planning decision makers and developers.

Your work will involve:

•Leading on the team’s high-profile work-streams, including major development projects, strategic planning matters, internal projects, and revenue generation.
•Providing technical expertise and guidance, primarily to the team, but also to other interankle colleagues and teams involved in the planning process.
•Using your effective written and spoken communication skills to influence customers while building strong partnerships.
•Training and coaching others to develop their knowledge and skills to resolve local issues, ensuing decisions are made on sound technical grounds and in line with local and national guidance.
•Supporting the Team Leaders in leading the team and taking ownership of assigned portfolios.

We are the Yorkshire Sustainable Places Team. We sit within Environment, Planning & Engagement (EPE).
We are based out of Leeds; the team is spread across Yorkshire.
We're a strong, Inclusive, and dynamic team. We support each other by working hard and through continuous learning and development.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team.
Our working patterns and locations are flexible, including working from home. We promote a positive work-life balance.

You will be able to demonstrate all or some of the following:

•A proven ability to achieve results and proactively solve problems.
•Effective influencing and negotiation skills.
•Excellent communication and networking skills and ability to successfully communicate to a wide range of audience.
•An ability to effectively support and coach others.
•Knowledge of the UK planning system and relevant legalisation particularly relating to local plans/supporting evidence and development management works-streams.
•An awareness and understanding of the political framework we work within.
•Experience, understanding and enthusiasm to work within a commercial setting.
•An ability to think creatively about opportunities for improvement and your adaptability to change.
•Good people and project management skills. An ability to work flexibly responding to competing demands in a challenging workload environment.

We do not accept CVs, therefore, your answers to the competencies will be used for selection. You may find it helpful to use the STAR approach to answering the questions. Please see the attached candidate pack for the competency dictionary and further information.

Interviews are expected to be scheduled for w/c 22 April. The interview will be via Microsoft Team's appointment.

The team are based out of Leeds & York offices, geographically we are located across Yorkshire. Base location will be Leeds or York dependant on successful candidate.
We work at home and in the office, there will be an element of travel required.

Please contact zoe.needham@environment-agency.gov.uk or james.hewson-smith@environment-agency.gov.uk if you require further information about this role.

Definition of Uses Initiative: Takes action before and/or beyond what is required, owning the outcome.

Question: Describe a time when you have acted over and above what was the required standard to ensure that a task was performed efficiently and effectively.

Definition of Communicates Effectively: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately, and persuasively through speech and writing.


Question: Give an example of when you have had to deliver a complex concept or technical problem to a colleague.

Definition of Delivers Results Through Others: Harnesses the team to deliver results on time, to the required standards and in line with organisational processes and procedures.

Question: Describe a time when you have had to develop a working relationship to achieve the desired outcome.

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

Question: Describe a time when you have been set a complex task, how did you ensure a high standard of work was delivered?