Landscape Officer

Wiltshire Council; England; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Wiltshire Council is seeking a Landscape Officer to join the Environment Service. You will review planning applications and provide expert landscape advice, assessing impacts on landscape character and visual amenity, and contributing to planning policy and spatial planning work.

The role involves site visits and liaising with planners, developers, and communities. The ideal candidate has strong communication skills and a good understanding of landscape assessment and the planning system, with

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and a good understanding of landscape assessment and the planning system.
• Experience in local government or private sector is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Review planning applications and provide expert landscape advice.
• Assess impacts on landscape character and visual amenity.
• Contribute to planning policy and spatial planning work.
• Support design of major development projects.

Skills

Landscape assessment

Planning system knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Degree in landscape-related subject

Job description

Salary: £38,510 - £40,444 per annum

Hours per week: 37 hours

Interview Date: 10 December 2026

Help shape Wiltshire's landscapes for future generations as our Landscape Officer. Working within our Environment Service, you will join a passionate team of landscape, ecology, archaeology and climate specialists who are helping to protect and enhance Wiltshire's natural environment while supporting sustainable growth.

In this role, you will review planning applications and provide expert landscape advice to help ensure high-quality development across the county. You will assess impacts on landscape character and visual amenity, contribute to planning policy and spatial planning work, and support the design of major development projects.

You will work with a wide range of stakeholders, including planners, developers, consultants, elected members and local communities. While the role is primarily office-based, you will also undertake site visits to assess development proposals and gain first-hand knowledge of Wiltshire's diverse landscapes.

We are looking for a solution-focused individual with strong communication skills, a good understanding of landscape assessment and the planning system, and the confidence to work independently. Experience in local government or the private sector would be beneficial, but this is also an excellent opportunity to develop your career in the public sector. If you are passionate about creating and protecting high-quality places, we would love to hear from you.

Why us?

Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Find out more about Our Identity, staff networks, and employee benefits here.

Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer-facing roles work entirely from their service location.

We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.

Contact details

For any specific questions about the role, please contact the Team Manager for Archaeology, Landscape and Historic Environment, [e-mail] or Senior Landscape Officer, [e-mail]

Application criteria

Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply.

We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.

We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.

Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion

Disability Confident Employer

Application process

Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura).

Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission.

Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.

The main purpose of the job is an advisory role, providing specialist, technical advice to officers across the Council, particularly on planning applications and to support the Council's statutory land-use planning function.

The role also provides professional advice on technical matters to Members, Council Officers, other professionals and members of the public, including parish councils.

• Degree level qualification in a landscape related subject area, or
• Minimum of 3 years' professional experience providing professional landscape advice