Friday Five 21.8.2020
It's the Friday Five - our round-up of five of the best, most interesting or unusual jobs on Planner Jobs this week. As if that weren't reason enough to read on, each is accompanied by a 'fun fact' related to the job or its location.
1. MONITORING & ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (GRADE 9 & 10) - MINERALS AND WASTE, AT DORSET COUNCIL
Location: Dorchester, Dorset
The job: "As part of our dedicated team, you’ll help ensure that all Minerals & Waste sites comply with regulations. It’s a chance to take charge of monitoring operations at a wide range of sites, investigate possible infractions and to enforce planning controls if necessary. Expect plenty of liaison with local committees, mineral and waste operators and planning colleagues.
"To join us, you’ll need a relevant degree (or equivalent) and ideally a postgraduate planning qualification. For more senior roles, you will need to be a chartered member of the RTPI. Whatever stage of your career you’re at, you’ll need experience, a gift for clear communication and affinity with our values: Responsibility, Respect, Recognition and Collaboration."
Fun fact: Founded by the Romans around 70D, there is evidence of Roman settlement in Dorchester, or Durnovaria as it was called. It can be seen at the Roman Town House at Colliton Park, one of the best preserved examples of a Roman Town House in England. It was discovered in 1937 during an archaeological dig. The earliest part of the Town House dates from the first part of the 4th century.
A bonus fact: Author and poet Thomas Hardy (pictured) was born at Higher Bockhampton, located three miles northeast of Dorchester on the 2 June, 1840.
2. PLANNING OFFICER, NORTHUMBERLAND NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
Location: Northumberland
The job: "This can be on a full time or part-time basis depending on the preference of the applicant. It is a six-month contract with possibility of extension. This post could suit someone early in their career as well as someone who has more experience.
"Our planning officers handle an interesting and challenging range of case work, providing pre-application advice to prospective applicants, leading on any planning appeals and compliance and enforcement work.
"You will be eligible or working towards RTPI membership or have a demonstrably equivalent qualification or experience. This post could suit someone early in their career as well as someone who has more experience."
Fun fact: Northumberland has grand architecture and landscapes, but Earl Grey tea also originated there.
British Prime Minister Charles 2nd Earl Grey came from a long established seat at Howick Hall, Gardens & Arboretum.
Earl Grey was in the role during the passing of the Great Reform Bill of 1832. He is also known, perhaps better known, for Earl Grey tea. This was blended at the request of his wife Lady Grey, using the addition of bergamot oil to offset the strong taste of lime in the local water.
3. PLANNING OFFICER AT CPRE, KENT
Location: Charing, Kent
The job: "CPRE Kent is seeking a planning officer to join their small and dedicated team. We need someone who will work alongside staff, trustees and volunteers to help shape planning policy in Kent and beyond through participating in consultations and examinations of local plans, and to help engage with planning issues within Kent and Medway, and beyond.
"We work locally and nationally so ideally you will be a qualified planning professional with experience in both development control and strategic planning. Most importantly you will share our commitment to a future where the countryside is respected for its own intrinsic value, and where the development that we need contributes to sustainable communities that are fit for the 21st century, our collective response to the climate emergency and the need for a genuinely green recovery from economic downturn."
Fun fact: The name Charing first appears in 799 as Ciorrincg. It either comes from the Anglo-Saxon word cerring, which means a bend in the road, or from Ceorra-ingas, also Anglo-Saxon, meaning people of Ceorra.
The village is sited on the Pilgrims' Way from London to Canterbury, and is one day's walk from Canterbury. There are a number of old manors located around the village, such as Newlands (now a horse stud) and Pett Place. The village had a market recorded in 1285, and a fair recorded in the fifteenth century.
4. PLANNER AT LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL
Location: City Hall, Leicester
The job: "We are looking for an experienced and motivated Planning Officer to deal with minor and householder applications guiding these through the development management process. We want an exceptional candidate to make a valuable contribution to our planning service; a service that brings together development management, strategic planning, urban design and other specialists. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their ability to efficiently and effectively deliver successful outcomes.
"As a planner, you will lead on specific allocated projects, process and assess planning applications, as well as report on planning applications and other planning matters. Liaising with the public, members, other officers, businesses, other professional groups and local authorities, you will give information and advice on procedures and respond to queries. You will undertake site visits and assess proposals, do research and gather information."
Fun fact: Leicester Market has been based in the same place for 700 years and is thought to be the biggest covered market in Europe. As well as fruit and veg, there is also an indoor food hall selling fish, meat, cheese, the famous Melton Mowbray pork pies, and the ingredients to cook great Asian and South-East Asian food. This news editor bought the materials required for a year 8 textiles project from Leicester Market, so it does have it all.
It was once home to Lineker’s fruit and veg stall, which former Foxes' footballer Gary Lineker used to work on with his dad Barry.
5. MAJOR PROJECTS PLANNER AT BASSETLAW DISTRICT COUNCIL
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
The job: "As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for deputising for the Planning Development Manager and managing a case load of complex major planning applications. It is therefore essential that you are an experienced planner that has the ability to lead and assist in the development of colleagues, communicate effectively and manage a demanding workload of major applications.
"Effective project management skills, including staff management are therefore vital. We’ll also expect you to have excellent written, oral and interpersonal skills together with proven negotiation and partnership building skills and the ability to build, lead and motivate individuals and teams."
Fun fact: Worksop is the largest town in the district and it is where professional golfer and former world number 1 - who hasn't won a major - Lee Westwood OBE was born. He is consistent though and has won competitions on five continents (Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia), something only a handful of golfers have achieved. He was also part of the European Ryder Cup team who won at the 'Miracle at Medinah' in 2012.
Image credits | iStock and Shutterstock
