About Us 

Exmoor National Park is a unique and beautiful part of the country that has been shaped by nature and people over thousands of years. 

The Authority plays a pivotal role in promoting and enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring that the National Park's stunning landscapes and special qualities are conserved and enhanced for future generations. We have a fantastic staff team who are skilled and committed to the best outcomes for Exmoor. 

We’re currently looking for an Assistant Planning Officer to join us on a full-time basis working 37 hours per week. 

The Benefits 

- Salary of £22,183 - £25,481 per annum 

- Government pension 

- Flexible working 

- Family-friendly schemes 

- Paid sickness leave 

- Social events 

- 27 days’ holiday per annum plus Bank Holidays 

If you are working towards your RTPI membership and have experience of planning systems and legislation, this is a great opportunity to help conserve and enhance the natural and built environment of the National Park. 

When you join us, you will discover a talented team and a supportive work environment where you will be encouraged to make the most of this beautiful setting and be supported to develop your skills and experience. 

So, if you are looking for a fresh, new challenge and want to help our National Park flourish and thrive, we want to hear from you. 

The Role 

As an Assistant Planning Officer, you will help deliver an effective, efficient and community-focused planning service across the National Park. 

Under the supervision of the Principal Planning Officer (PPO), you will process planning, listed building, householder and other applications. You will advise the PPO on what amendments are needed for applications to meet design, policy and statutory consultee requirements. 

Acting as the first point of contact for public and agent enquiries concerning development proposals, you will provide guidance and advice in a professional and efficient manner. You will discuss the merits of development proposals, whether planning permission is required and how to submit an application. 

You will also work with the Authority’s Forward Planning Team in carrying out a range of tasks related to the Local Plan and planning policy. This will include supporting the review and implementation of the Local Plan and assisting with the implementation of affordable housing policies. 

About You 

To join us as an Assistant Planning Officer, you will need: 

- Experience of planning systems, legislation and an understanding of National Park policies 

- The ability to interpret and apply policies and technical development management standards and guidelines 

- The ability to use judgement when reconciling conflicting and/or competing interests 

- An understanding of data gathering and analytical techniques 

- The ability to advise, explain and justify policies and/or procedures to a wide range of individuals 

- The ability to undertake investigations and/or research activities and produce conclusions through reports, briefing notes or presentations 

- A degree level qualification in Town and Country Planning and working towards Membership of RTPI 

Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. 

The closing date for applications is 25th November 2021, with interviews scheduled for 9th December 2021. 

Please note, we do not accept CVs. 

Other organisations may call this role Planning Administrator, Planning Support Officer, or Junior Planning Officer. 

As a service provider and local employer, Exmoor National Park Authority is committed to promoting equal opportunities and tackling social exclusion in everything it does. The Authority recognises its statutory equality duties under legislation in terms of service provision and employment and is committed to meeting them. 

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as an Assistant Planning Officer, please apply via the button shown. This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency.