31562 - Planner (Town and Country planning)

www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk - Jobboard; Warrington; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental environmental agency is seeking a motivated individual to join its Sustainable Places Team in Warrington. In this role, you will manage planning consultations and provide expert environmental advice to guide growth and regeneration. Candidates should demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills, and a genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment. This is an opportunity to develop valuable skills in project management and leadership.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Training provided

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
• Strong ability to work well with others and share ideas.
• Confidence in influencing and negotiating with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Guide how growth and regeneration happen to safeguard communities.
• Manage planning consultations with Local Authorities and developers.
• Provide expert environmental advice to influence planning outcomes.

Skills

Interest in Planning Systems

Teamwork & Collaboration

Influencing & Negotiation

IT Proficiency

Problem-Solving & Results-Oriented

People & Project Management

Job description

Are you passionate about contributing to a more sustainable environment? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact.
We’re seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Environment Agency’s GMMC Sustainable Places Team. In this key role, you’ll guide how growth and regeneration happen - ensuring developments safeguard communities, promote biodiversity, and protect our environment.
You’ll manage planning consultations with Local Authorities and developers, working closely with colleagues in flood risk, water quality, contaminated land, biodiversity, and environmental management to deliver expert advice. You’ll advocate for climate resilience and influence policies and proposals - shaping decisions that impact the future of our towns and cities.
This is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of planning systems while developing valuable skills in project management, financial oversight, leadership, and innovation.
We embrace diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.
The Environment Agency reflects the communities it serves. We don’t just talk about inclusion - we live it. Every new team member is welcomed and given full support, induction, and the equipment they need to thrive.
Incident response is central to our mission.
Everyone who joins us undertakes training and may support incident response, which could attract additional payments. Full training and flexible working arrangements are provided.
Our Greater Manchester, Merseyside & Cheshire areas are some of the most environmentally dynamic regions in the UK—with main rivers, large coastlines, and complex urban growth. The work you do here will directly impact people, places, and the planet.

The team

The Sustainable Places team is a friendly, collaborative group working across departments to shape local plan strategies and planning applications. We partner internally and externally - with councils, developers, water companies, and Defra - to provide expert environmental advice. By evaluating data and assessments, we influence planning outcomes and internal strategies. This multi-functional role offers a dynamic career path within the Environment Agency, allowing you to make a real impact while growing professionally.

Experience/skills required

We provide expert statutory and discretionary advice to planners, developers, and communities; evidence on the capacity and value of the environment to aid decision-making. To succeed in this role, you'll demonstrate the following skills and qualities:
• A genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
• Interest in Planning Systems – Knowledge about planning, economics, and development.
• Teamwork & Collaboration – Strong ability to work well with others and share ideas.
• Influencing & Negotiation – Confidence in influencing and negotiating with stakeholders.
• IT Proficiency – Good IT skills for project management and communication.
• Ability to effectively engage and communicate with diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving & Results-Oriented – Proactive in addressing challenges and achieving results.
• People & Project Management – Strong skills in managing people and projects to meet deadlines.
• Ability to adapt and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.