Senior Environmental Planning Casework Officer

Natural England; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Natural England in Reading is seeking a Planning Casework Higher Officer to provide expert statutory advice on planning applications and development plans, shaping outcomes for nature and communities. You will work with planners, developers and authorities to secure positive environmental results through robust, evidence-based guidance.

In a hybrid working environment, the role offers opportunities to influence planning decisions at local, regional and national levels while meeting statutory

Qualifications

• Experience of land-use planning and development management.
• Strong knowledge of environmental legislation, policy and guidance.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Well-developed organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Good understanding of ecology, nature recovery and environmental protection.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory advice on planning applications, development plans and infrastructure projects (including Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects).
• Assess potential impacts on protected landscapes, habitats and species.
• Coordinate expertise from across Natural England to deliver robust, evidence-based advice.
• Build partnerships with customers and stakeholders to resolve complex planning issues.
• Work to statutory targets and deadlines whilst ensuring actions are recorded and auditable.
• Contribute to shaping development outcomes that benefit nature and communities.

Skills

Land-use planning

Development management

Environmental legislation

Ecology knowledge

Job description

Natural England in Reading is seeking a Planning Casework Higher Officer to provide expert statutory advice on planning applications and development plans, shaping outcomes for nature and communities. You will work with planners, developers and authorities to secure positive environmental results through robust, evidence-based guidance.

In a hybrid working environment, the role offers opportunities to influence planning decisions at local, regional and national levels while meeting statutory