Planning Officer (Temporary) - MOR12094

Moray Council; Elgin; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Moray Council invites applications for a maternity cover Planning Officer within Development Management. You will assess and determine planning applications and respond to preliminary enquiries, ensuring decisions meet statutory requirements and local policies.

The role requires MRTPI-eligible degree or diploma, strong communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to travel between Moray offices. Starting salary £36,003.50–£46,502.95; 36.25 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Planning or MRTPI eligibility.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to interpret planning legislation and policies.
• Proven time management and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Determining Planning Applications.
• Determining whether planning permission is required.
• Responding to preliminary enquiries about likelihood of consent.
• Preparing planning appeal submissions for the Council.
• Carrying out enforcement duties as required.
• Contributing to service effectiveness.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Multi-tasking

Customer service

Education

Degree/Diploma in Planning or MRTPI eligible

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Job Description

Making decisions and providing professional advice on planning applications and other Development Management matters in accordance with agreed objectives.

Requirements

Under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Disclosure Check.

Responsibilities

Determining Planning Applications

Determining whether planning permission is required

Responding to preliminary enquiries about the likelihood of planning consent for proposals

Preparing planning appeal submissions on behalf of The Council

Carrying out enforcement duties as required, assist Enforcement Officer

Contributing to the effectiveness of the service

The Individual

Development Management experience including processing and determining planning applications

Degree/Diploma in Planning or related subject eligible for MRTPI

Effective communication, presentation and negotiating skills

High level of personal initiative and ability to work with the minimum of supervision

Effective analytical and evaluative abilities and clear thinking

Experience of Microsoft Office including software packages such as Excel and Word

Strong customer care skills and focus

Self-confidence

Self motivated

Ability to interpret planning legislation and planning policies

Able to multi task

A commitment to deliver quality services to agreed standards

Research capabilities

You will be expected to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Moray to meet the operational requirements of the Service. Due to the rural nature of Moray this is normally undertaken by use of a car/van

Ability to form productive and enabling working relationships

Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines

Ability to deal sensitively and tactfully with people who may not agree with decisions made

Willing to accept direction/ delegation

Appreciation, acceptance and commitment to the importance of confidentiality

Ability to make site visits when required including accessing restricted spaces

Ability to work in an open plan office

Ability to work flexibly to meet the needs and demands of the service

Ability to work in different offices dependent on service requirements

Maternity Cover position for up to 1 year

Closing Date: 4 September 2026

Starting Salary: £36,003.50 - £46,502.95 (depending on experience)

£19.10 - £27.05 per hour (depending on experience)

36.25 hours per week

Interviews to be held on week commencing 7 September 2026

For further information contact: William Clark, Development Management & Building Standards Manager at [e-mail]