32392 - Sustainable Places Planning Advisor

Environment Agency; Spearywell; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a motivated individual to join their Sustainable Places Team. The position involves managing planning applications and providing expert advice on environmental matters. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience with planning systems. Strong communication and organizational skills are necessary. This role offers an opportunity to influence environmental decisions and enhance biodiversity.

Qualifications

• Qualified to at least degree level in a relevant discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental planning.
• Ability to think strategically and adapt to changes.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning work.
• Build relationships with stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
• Coordinate advice from specialists and present it clearly.

Skills

Experience with relevant planning systems

Strong customer service skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds

Self-motivation

Education

Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

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. We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Solent & South Downs Sustainable Places Team. This is an opportunity to help create places where people and nature thrive for generations to come. You'll play a key role in guiding development and shaping decisions that protect people and the environment. You'll influence developers during pre-application discussions, guide local authorities through strategic planning and provide expert advice as a statutory consultee on planning applications. Every decision you help shape will contribute to reducing flood risk, improving water quality, tackling land contamination, and enhancing biodiversity.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning work, including applications, Environmental Impact Assessments, and marine licensing.
• Build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to achieve positive environmental outcomes.
• Coordinate advice from specialists across the Agency and present it clearly and confidently.
• Embrace new ways of working to improve efficiency and customer service.
• Support the team while managing your own workload.
• Respond to incidents and meet an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan.

You'll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We'll help you find a role to sit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

The team You'll join our enthusiastic Sustainable Places team that takes pride in delivering environmental results. We have a diverse group of knowledgeable people who are keen to positively influence the Environment Agency's input into the planning process. We take a pragmatic approach to our work, continually developing our skills to become more evidence-driven, business-focused, and customer-oriented. To achieve, our team collaborates with a wide range of internal technical experts across the Environment Agency.

Qualifications

We are looking for someone qualified to at least degree level (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

In your capability-based answers, you should demonstrate:

• Experience with relevant planning systems and environmental issues.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency and its role within the Town and Country Planning System.
• Ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture.
• A positive, approachable, and enthusiastic attitude, with a drive for innovation.
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with flexibility to meet changing priorities.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent customer service, communication, and relationship-building skills - written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds and promote inclusion.
• Confidence in negotiation and influencing, supported by a wide professional network.
• Sound decision-making skills when faced with complex or competing factors.