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Senior/Principal Planning Officer & Graduate Planning Officer

Employer
Worcester City Council
Location
Worcestershire
Salary
See Job description
Closing date
7 Jul 2019

Senior/Principal Planning Officer – Development Management
(£31,684 - £35,546 + £2,500 Market Supplement for Principal Planning Officer with review after two years)

Graduate Planning Officer – Planning Policy
(£22,665 - £25,023)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Planning and Economic Development Team at Worcester City Council. We are looking appoint a Principal Planning Officer in Development Management and a graduate Planning Policy Officer. You can play a leading role in achieving the highest standards in the vital services we provide to this beautiful city. You will be joining an experienced team and supporting the City Council to deliver an excellent planning service.

Why Worcester?

Worcester is a great place to work. We have a thriving city centre, investment by cutting edge technology companies, a great wealth of history, a fantastic environment making it somewhere to be proud of. Being such a wonderful place, the role of the Planning Service is crucial to ensuring that the city retains its high quality appearance, character and environment.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Worcester is the jewel of the West Midlands, with the River Severn and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal running through its heart and a history spanning more than 2,000 years. Its rich heritage includes the 12th Century Cathedral, a Guildhall admired by monarchs from King George III to Queen Elizabeth II and the site of the English Civil War’s last battle. Worcester offers a high quality of life with its rich and varied heritage, award winning parks, excellent schools and diverse range of shops and restaurants.

The city enjoys a strong sporting reputation based on top flight cricket and rugby clubs, a centrally located racecourse and major annual running and cycling events.  Worcester has a strong cultural and musical life and is the birthplace of Elgar, one of England’s most celebrated composers. 

Benefits to you:

  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 30 days with 5 years of local government service)
  • Flexible (including part time) working hours
  • Agile/remote working arrangements
  • Generous pension scheme
  • Support for training and professional development
  • Subsidised RTPI, IHBC or RIBA subscription.
  • Discounted car parking
  • Subsidised leisure facilities and employee discounts in local stores
  • Free confidential employee assistance programme, available 24 hours a day
  • Office is less than five minutes’ walk from train station
  • Birmingham less than an hour’s commute away
  • Plus unlimited free teas and coffees for you to enjoy whilst you’re at work!

At Worcester City Council, we are committed to seeking excellence in everything we do as we strive for the coveted Investors in Accreditation standard. In working for Worcester City Council you can achieve excellence for yourself and this great city.

Senior/Principal Planning Officer – Development Management

The Post

The post holder will have responsibility for the most complex applications as part of a varied caseload. A skilled professional, your knowledge covers Development Management; statutory regulations; and Section 106 Agreements and similar.

The successful applicant will support and assist the Development Management Team Leader in leading the Development Management Team, (alongside the existing Principal Planning Officer), deputising for them as necessary, including the day-to-day supervision and management of the Development Management Team.

However, a traineeship at the appropriate salary level will be considered for exceptional candidates without the required line management experience for progression from Senior Planning Officer to Principal Planning Officer level.

About you

For the role of Principal Planning Officer you will have experience of dealing with major category planning applications, complex appeals and have a strong track record of negotiating S106 legal agreements and securing high quality design. You will have full Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI) membership and be able to demonstrate:

  • Significant development management experience, including presentation of applications to Planning Committee
  • Line management experience
  • A recognised qualification in Town Planning
  • Educated to degree level
  • Experience of Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries
  • Experience of managing a caseload of complex planning applications
  •  excellent written and verbal communication skills and expertise in negotiation and urban design.
  •  An ability to engage with a range of stakeholders
  • Comprehensive and up to date knowledge of planning law and practice
  • Good computer literacy with property database and GIS systems
  • A commitment to continual professional development (CPD)
  • A full driving licence and access to a car for work use

Your track record and approach in all of these areas are as important as your experience or qualifications.

If you would like to find out more about this position, please call Alan Coleman (Development Control Manager) on 01905 722523 or Nichola Robinson (Principal Planning Officer (01905 722567).

Closing Date: 7th July 2019

Interview Date: 18th July 2019

Graduate Planning Officer – Planning Policy

This post would suit a recent graduate and includes the opportunity to undertake an RTPI accredited Masters Degree funded by the City Council. 

The Post

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a graduate planner to join Worcester City Council. The post is based within the Planning Policy team but offers the flexibility to gain experience in development management and site delivery.

The role comes with support to complete an RTPI accredited Masters degree and mentoring to allow the successful candidate to work towards chartered town planner status.

Working jointly with Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council adopted its Local Plan in February 2016.  A review of the Local Plan is currently underway. The role offers opportunities to get involved with all aspects of planning policy work including developing an evidence base, writing planning policy documents, implementation and monitoring delivery. 

You will need to possess a degree in planning or a related discipline and be willing to undertake a Masters degree on a day release basis.  We will also consider applications from candidates who already hold an RTPI accredited postgraduate degree. 

This is the ideal role in which to start a career in town planning.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a passion for planning and a desire to build a career within the profession. They will be an enthusiastic and outgoing person who is committed to their own professional development.  Good communication skills and a willingness to learn are essential.  We encourage applications from those who already hold an undergraduate degree in a planning related discipline or those who are graduating in summer 2019.  We will also consider applications from candidates who already hold an RTPI accredited postgraduate degree.     

You must be able to demonstrate the following:

  • An undergraduate degree in a planning related discipline
  • A willingness to undertake an RTPI accredited Masters course and work towards chartered town planner status.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Knowledge of English
  • planning law and policy.
  • Previous experience of working within a Local Authority planning team would be advantageous.

For an informal discussion please contact Maria Dunn, Planning Policy Team Leader on 01905 721178 or Corin Beames, Senior Planner (Policy) on 01905 722546.

Closing Date: 30th June 2019

Interview Date: 8th and/or 9th July 2019

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