32616 - Sustainable Places Planning Specialist

Environment Agency; Bodmin; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A government environmental organization based in Bodmin is looking for a motivated Town Planner to join their Sustainable Places Team. The successful candidate will provide technical leadership, influence local planning policies, and mentor team members. The role involves working closely with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure positive environmental outcomes through effective planning and management. This opportunity allows for professional growth and skill development in a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified to at least degree standard in Town & Country Planning.
• Desirable: Membership of a relevant professional body.
• Interest in innovative working methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical planning expertise and guidance to the team.
• Project manage input into high-profile developments.
• Influence the preparation and review of Local Plans.
• Mentor team members on policies and procedures.
• Represent the agency as an expert witness at appeals.

Skills

Excellent communication and networking skills

Ability to synthesise complex information

Negotiation and influencing skills

Effective programme management

Ability to coach and mentor

Education

Degree in a relevant discipline

Job description

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 are looking for a motivated and experienced Town Planner to provide additional technical leadership to our Sustainable Places Team. You will work as part of a team that engages with, and influences, local planning authorities, planning decision-makers and developers to secure the best possible outcomes for people and the environment through growth.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Provide technical planning expertise and guidance to the team and internal colleagues.
• Project manage our input into high‑profile developments.
• Influence the preparation and review of Local Plans including relevant policies, evidence base, and infrastructure delivery plans.
• Mentor team members on external planning policies, internal policies and procedures to ensure quality and consistency.
• Work as an integrated part of the team.
• Represent the Environment Agency as an expert‑witness at appeals and inquiries.
• Develop professional relationships with stakeholders and customers, internally and externally, to influence environmental outcomes.
• Keep up to date on legislation/case law/best practice.
• Contribute to the internal Planning Specialist network and Spatial Planning Mentoring Hub.

The team

The Devon, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainable Places team lead the Environment Agency’s statutory and chargeable planning advice on development and growth in our Area. We are a positive, knowledgeable and supportive team that takes pride in securing environmental outcomes by working closely with internal colleagues, 14 Local Planning Authorities, developers, strategic partners and Defra family.

Experience/skills required

• Qualified to at least degree standard (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and have experience of working in the Town & Country Planning system.
• Membership or demonstration of progression towards membership of a relevant professional body is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication and networking skills with the ability to collaborate with others.
• Ability to synthesise information from a wide range of sources, identify and present the key facts.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on competing or complex factors.
• Ability to confidently negotiate and influence others.
• Effective programme management.
• Ability to coach and mentor others.
• An interest to seek new innovative ways of working.

You will have opportunity to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career.