Landscape Officer

East Suffolk Council; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK seeks a Senior Landscape Officer to provide expertise on landscape matters in planning applications. The role involves advising on development proposals, assessing landscape impacts, and representing the Council in official settings. Strong candidates will have a degree in Landscape Architecture, excellent communication skills, and experience in planning processes. This position offers opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Great opportunities for training and development

Generous leave entitlement

Local government pension scheme

Free car parking

Discounts on various products and services

Qualifications

• Significant experience assessing landscape and visual impacts within the planning process.
• Confidence presenting at committees and public meetings.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist landscape advice on planning applications.
• Assess Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA).
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees and Public Inquiries.
• Prepare clear, concise reports for senior officers.

Skills

Technical expertise

Creativity

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Landscape Architecture or related discipline

Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) - or working towards

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Landscape Officer to join our ambitious and multidisciplinary Specialist Services team, working alongside experts in design, heritage, arboriculture, ecology and rights of way. You'll play a key role in ensuring that development across the district responds to landscape character, local distinctiveness, and environmental priorities.

This is an exciting time to join us, with major place-shaping projects underway, including new Garden Neighbourhoods, coastal regeneration projects, strategic infrastructure schemes (NSIPs) and district-wide design coding work.

What you’ll be doing

You will be the Council’s technical lead for landscape matters, providing expert advice on development proposals ranging from small sites to nationally significant projects. You will:

• Provide specialist landscape advice on planning applications, pre-applications and strategic growth sites.
• Assess Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments (LVIA), Landscape and Visual Appraisals, and other supporting information.
• Contribute to masterplans, Supplementary Planning Documents, Local Plans and Design Codes, embedding landscape principles and green/blue infrastructure from the outset.
• Negotiate with applicants and consultants to secure high-quality landscape outcomes and design enhancements.
• Represent the Council at Planning Committees, Design Review Panels, Public Inquiries and Hearings, acting as expert witness where required.
• Undertake site visits and condition compliance checks to monitor the delivery of approved schemes.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and briefings for senior officers, Members and committees.
• Lead or support community and stakeholder engagement on landscape and placemaking matters.

This is not just a casework role, you'll influence projects and policies that will safeguard East Suffolk’s landscape for future generations.

You’ll bring

You’ll bring a strong blend of technical expertise, creativity and collaboration, including:

• Degree (or equivalent) in Landscape Architecture or related discipline.
• Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute (CMLI) - or working towards chartership.
• Significant experience assessing landscape and visual impacts within the planning process.
• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills with the ability to influence positive outcomes.
• Confidence presenting at committees and public meetings.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to high-quality placemaking.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for site visits across the district, with flexibility to occasionally work outside normal hours.

If you don't meet every single requirement but feel you have the passion and potential to thrive in the role, we'd still love to hear from you.

East Suffolk is one of the largest and most diverse districts in the UK, from expansive coastlines and riverside estuaries to rural farmland, market towns and historic settlements. Our landscapes are a defining part of East Suffolk's identity and play a vital role in climate resilience, biodiversity, placemaking, and the wellbeing of our communities.

At East Suffolk Council, you'll be part of a supportive and forward-thinking team where landscape, design and placemaking are genuinely valued.

We offer:

A multidisciplinary environment - work alongside landscape architects, ecologists, designers and heritage specialists.

Opportunities to develop your career, supported by training, professional memberships and CPD.

Involvement in high-profile design and planning projects with real impact on local communities.

Here are some of the main benefits

• Great opportunities for training and development
• Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays)
• Local government pension scheme
• Free car parking (for when you are working in the office)
• Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.