32392 - Sustainable Places Planning Advisor

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

Job summary

A governmental environmental organization in Worthing is seeking a motivated individual to manage a caseload of planning work. The role emphasizes building relationships, contributing to environmental outcomes, and requires a degree in a relevant discipline. Strong communication, strategic thinking, and a positive attitude are essential. Training will be provided for personal development.

Qualifications

• Experience with relevant planning systems and environmental issues.
• Understanding of the Environment Agency's role within the planning system.
• Ability to think strategically and promote inclusion.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a varied caseload of planning work, including applications.
• Build relationships with partners and stakeholders.
• Coordinate advice from specialists and present it effectively.
• Respond to incidents as part of the development plan.

Skills

Experience with relevant planning systems and environmental issues

Understanding of the Environment Agency and its role within the planning system

Ability to think strategically

Positive attitude and drive for innovation

Strong time management and organisational skills

Excellent customer service and relationship-building skills

Confidence in negotiation and influencing

Sound decision-making skills

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.