Assistant Planner

Penguin Recruitment; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy developer in Edinburgh is seeking an Assistant Town Planner to support planning activities. You'll prepare applications, conduct site assessments, and engage with the community to drive meaningful projects toward the UK's sustainability goals. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and a passion for environmental planning. This role offers clear development opportunities and a hybrid work model.

Benefits

Career development pathway

Support toward RTPI Chartership

Positive company culture

Meaningful projects

Qualifications

• A degree (or postgraduate) in Town Planning or related field is required.
• Some experience in a planning role is beneficial, but strong graduates are considered.
• Genuine interest in renewable energy and sustainable development is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare planning applications and supporting documents.
• Conduct site assessments and planning policy research.
• Assist with community engagement and consultation activities.
• Support appeals and environmental submissions.
• Liaise with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Help coordinate planning inputs for renewable energy projects.

Skills

Strong written communication

Research skills

Organisational skills

Proactive approach

Curiosity and desire to learn

Education

Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, or related field

Job description

Assistant Town Planner - Edinburgh

£28,000-£35,000 + benefits + career development

Forward-Thinking Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Developer

I'm partnering with a fast-growing, sustainability-driven developer operating across the UK to recruit an Assistant Town Planner for their expanding Edinburgh team. This organisation is at the forefront of renewable energy and environmental infrastructure projects, with a strong pipeline and a reputation for doing things the right way.

If you're looking to build your planning career within a supportive team where you will gain hands‑on exposure to major projects, this is an excellent opportunity.

The Role

Working closely with senior planners and project managers, you will support the delivery of a range of planning activities, including:

• Preparing planning applications and supporting documents
• Conducting site assessments and planning policy research
• Assisting with community engagement and consultation activities
• Supporting appeals and environmental submissions
• Liaising with local authorities, stakeholders, and consultants
• Helping coordinate planning inputs for renewable energy and infrastructure schemes

This is a role where you'll see the full lifecycle of complex, nationally significant projects while developing strong technical skills.

What You'll Bring

• A degree (or postgraduate degree) in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography, or a related field
• Ideally some experience in a planning role (public or private sector), though strong graduates will also be considered
• A genuine interest in renewable energy, environmental planning, or sustainable development
• Strong written communication, research, and organisational skills
• A proactive, curious approach with a desire to learn and develop

Why Join?

• Work on meaningful projects that contribute to the UK's renewable energy and sustainability goals
• Clear professional development pathway, including support toward RTPI Chartership
• Small, friendly team where your work genuinely matters
• Hybrid working and a positive, people-focused culture
• Exposure to major planning projects far beyond what is typical at this career stage

Interested?

If you'd like to discuss the role, company culture, or progression opportunities, feel free to get in touch for a confidential chat. I'm happy to share the full brief and answer any questions you may have.