Planning Officer, Career Grade, Isle of Lewis (2060) - CNS05453

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading authority in the Outer Hebrides seeks a Planning Officer to provide comprehensive planning services. This permanent role offers an experience-rich environment with opportunities for career progression within the RTPI framework. Eligible candidates may apply for either a graduate role or more experienced positions, contributing to notable development projects across beautiful landscapes.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of Year 2 in RTPI accredited Planning degree.
• Proven experience in Development Plan Development Management/Planning Enforcement.
• Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute for Grade I.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional planning services and fulfill statutory duties.
• Work within Development Management team on varied development types.
• Meet essential criteria as outlined in the Person Specification.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Organizational skills

Computer literacy

Education

RTPI accredited Planning degree

HND in Planning related discipline

Degree in Planning related discipline

Job description

Advert

Planning Officer, Career Grade, Isle of Lewis
37 hours per week, Permanent position
Grade G (Stage 3) - £37,083 to £40,941 P.A. (inclusive of £2,859 Distant Islands Allowance per annum)
Grade I (Stage 4) - £45,243 to £48,966 P.A. (inclusive of £2,859 Distant Islands Allowance per annum)

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is the Planning Authority for the islands of the Outer Hebrides, an area renowned for its strong sense of community, environmental quality, beautiful scenery, outdoor opportunities, low crime rates, good educational opportunities and a strong cultural scene.

Based in Stowaway on the Isle of Lewis, you will be required to provide professional planning services to fulfil statutory planning duties and related tasks. This post, within the Development Management team, offers opportunities for broad planning experience with a wide range and variety of development types across a diverse island rural environment under extensive natural heritage designation.

The position is being advertised to accommodate applications from either a Graduate or more experienced candidates with RTPI membership. There is an opportunity for a successful candidate to progress to full RTPI membership under the career grade system. Applicants should refer to and carefully address the essential criteria provided in the Person Specification when submitting their application. Applicants should indicate clearly which Stage (3 or 4) their application relates to and provide full details of their current qualifications.

For appointment to Grade G (Career Stage 3) you will have: successfully completed Year 2 of a Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) accredited Planning degree OR hold a Degree in a Planning related discipline OR hold an HND (or equivalent) in a Planning related or technical discipline and have proven experience of a reasonable breadth and depth in Development Plan Development Management/Planning Enforcement work. A Planning related or technical discipline would include e.g. Geography, Property Development or Surveying, Design and Development, Sustainable Environmental Management, Spatial Planning Technician or similar discipline).

For appointment to Grade I (Career Stage 4) you will have Full or Associate membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute and proven work experience of a significant breadth and depth in Development Management or Development Plan work.

In addition, at both grades you must have: sound knowledge of current planning legislation and associated guidance; good interpersonal, listening, negotiation, verbal and written communication skills; ability to accept responsibility and work constructively within a small team; ability to organise and prioritise own workload; and be computer literate, including knowledge of MS Office. A current driving licence is essential.

Please see attached employee testimonials to find out more regarding working as a Planning Officer in the Outer Hebrides from current members of the team.

It is vital you read the job description and person specification, in your Experience statement please detail how you meet each of the essential criteria we ask for in the person specification.

Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

Closing Date: Monday 16 June 2025