Assistant Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; Haddington; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Planner in Haddington to support planning and development of a renewable-energy project. The successful candidate will assist in planning applications, perform research, and liaise with authorities while gaining hands-on experience in environmental planning. A degree in a relevant field and strong communication skills are essential for this impactful opportunity.

Benefits

Competitive salary and progression opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development and RTPI support

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography or related field.
• Understanding of the UK planning system.
• Full driving licence preferred due to site visits.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with planning applications and supporting documentation.
• Undertaking planning research and site assessments.
• Liaising with stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Interest in renewable-energy projects

Education

Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography

Job description

Assistant Planner
Location: Haddington, East Lothian

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting an exciting renewable‑energy company in their search for an Assistant Planner to join their team in East Lothian. This is a rare opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of a major anaerobic‑digestion and biogas facility an innovative project with significant environmental, sustainability and community benefits.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and progression opportunities
• Work on a nationally significant renewable‑energy project
• Exposure to planning, environmental compliance and infrastructure development
• Flexible working arrangements
• Professional development and RTPI support

The Role

As an Assistant Planner, you will provide key support across planning, consents and project coordination. You will help prepare planning applications and supporting documents, liaise with local authorities and stakeholders, and assist in ensuring the development complies with planning and environmental requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting with planning applications, amendments and supporting documentation.
• Undertaking planning research, site assessments and policy reviews.
• Helping to coordinate inputs from environmental and technical consultants.
• Liaising with stakeholders, local authorities and regulatory bodies.
• Supporting compliance with planning conditions, monitoring and reporting.
• Keeping project files, plans and records up to date.
• Contributing to communication and consultation activities.

About You

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Assistant Planner with a genuine interest in renewable energy, rural development and environmental planning.

Requirements:

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Town Planning, Environmental Planning, Geography or related field.
• Understanding of the UK planning system.
• Strong written, verbal and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Interest in renewable‑energy and sustainability projects.
• Full driving licence preferred due to site and stakeholder visits.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Planner who wants hands‑on experience in a unique and impactful infrastructure project while gaining strong planning and environmental skills.

If you are interested in this Assistant Planner position, please contact Joel Bland at Penguin Recruitment.