Graduate Town Planner | Assistant Town Planner

Penguin Recruitment Ltd; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Penguin Recruitment Ltd in York is seeking a Graduate / Assistant Town Planner to join a well-established planning consultancy. You will support delivery of planning projects from initial research through to submission and determination, working with senior colleagues.

This role offers exposure to a varied portfolio, development across sectors, and a clear path to develop planning knowledge, policy understanding, and professional experience within a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning or related discipline.
• Interest in planning policy, development management and built environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Willingness to learn and develop a career in planning.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation and submission of planning applications and supporting documentation.
• Undertake planning policy research and review local and national planning guidance.
• Support preparation of planning statements, reports and other technical documents.
• Liaise with local planning authorities, clients and stakeholders.
• Monitor planning applications and keep clients updated on progress.
• Contribute to a variety of development projects while building professional experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Proactive attitude

Willingness to learn

Interest in planning policy

Education

Degree in Town Planning or related

Job description

Job Title: Graduate / Assistant Town Planner

Location: York

Penguin Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-established planning consultancy in York with the appointment of a Graduate / Assistant Town Planner to join its growing team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring planner to develop their career within a supportive consultancy environment, gaining exposure to a varied portfolio of projects and working alongside experienced professionals. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build their planning knowledge, develop their technical skills and contribute to projects across a range of sectors.

The Role

As a Graduate / Assistant Town Planner, you will support the delivery of planning projects from initial research through to application submission and determination. Working closely with senior colleagues, you will gain valuable experience across the planning process while developing your understanding of planning policy and development management.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the preparation and submission of planning applications and supporting documentation.
• Undertaking planning policy research and reviewing local and national planning guidance.
• Supporting the preparation of planning statements, reports and other technical documents.
• Liaising with local planning authorities, clients and other project stakeholders.
• Monitoring planning applications and keeping clients updated on progress.
• Contributing to a variety of development projects while building your professional experience.

About You

The successful Graduate / Assistant Town Planner will ideally have:

• A degree in Town Planning, Urban Planning or a related discipline.
• An interest in planning policy, development management and the built environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A proactive attitude, willingness to learn and enthusiasm for developing a career in planning.
• Previous planning experience or familiarity with the UK planning system would be advantageous, but applications from recent graduates are welcomed.

The Opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an established consultancy offering exposure to a diverse range of planning projects, alongside the support and guidance needed to progress professionally.

Whether you are a recent graduate looking to take your first step into consultancy or an Assistant Town Planner seeking your next opportunity, this position offers the chance to strengthen your skills, gain practical experience and build a long-term career within the planning sector.