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- Tasks: Join our team as an Assistant Planning Officer, managing diverse planning applications and providing pre-application advice.
- Company: East Herts Council is a progressive organization focused on sustainable development and community growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, mentorship opportunities, and pathways to further qualifications in town planning.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team, work on impactful projects, and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths & English, 2 A/AS levels or equivalent; a planning-related degree is a plus.
- Other info: Interviews will be in person at the Council Offices; we value diversity and inclusivity.
Assistant Planning Officer
Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.
Hertford, SG13 8EQ
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: Grade 4-6 – £28,869 – £36,830 including local weighting
Working Hours: 37
Job Category: Planning
Closing date: 04/05/2025
Reference: eastherts/TP/160/60
Job Introduction
About the role
Are you just about to embark on a career in Planning? If so, East Herts Council is looking for an Assistant Planning Officer to come and join our welcoming and progressive Development Management team.
East Herts is District rich and diverse in character with attractive market towns and villages and special landscapes, natural and built heritage features, including 42 Conservation Areas and over 3,000 listed buildings. It is also experiencing significant growth and we have a number of strategic sites coming forward for development including a new settlement of 10,000 homes within the emerging ‘Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.’
Our ambitious planning policies aim to maximise affordable housing delivery, secure sustainable, environmentally progressive development and deliver the highest quality built environment, whilst respecting, celebrating and protecting the District’s distinct rural character and unique heritage.
We are looking for enthusiastic, hard-working individuals who are keen to learn and share our aims and ambitions. Good customer skills, being able to communicate effectively (written and verbal) and efficient time management are essential skills for this role.
In return, we offer the opportunity to work on a varied and interesting caseload of work, working as part of a fast-paced, friendly and experienced team that will support you to develop your skills and progress your career. Whilst you’ll have your own portfolio of work, we encourage career progression through mentorship from experienced officers and opportunities to work as part of a project team on some of our strategic development projects.
East Herts also offers a great working environment, flexible/home working options and many benefits including opportunities to gain further qualifications in the town planning field through the town planning apprenticeship pathway.
Key Responsibilities
– Responsible for a varied case load of planning and other related applications
– Provision of pre-application advice
– Provision of the Council’s duty officer service
– Ensuring that development of the highest quality is secured, meeting policy and corporate objectives
The ideal candidate will have
– A good standard of general secondary education including GCSE qualifications in Maths & English and a minimum of 2A/AS levels or equivalent
– A planning or related degree such as geography or environmental sciences is desirable
– Willingness and ambition to train further in the town planning field through the town planning apprenticeship pathway
– Good communication skills with the ability to deliver planning information in a positive and proactive way
– The ability to assimilate, understand and articulate issues rapidly
– Excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines
– Excellent written skills
– A valid, full driving licence
To apply for this role, please select the apply button shown.
If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful.
If your application has been successful, the recruiting manager will contact you to invite you to an interview. Please note that all interviews will be in person at the Council Offices and we will be unable to offer online interviews.
We hope you enjoy the process and look forward to making contact with you very soon.
EHC is an equal opportunity employer committed to embracing a diverse and inclusive work environment. We aim to attract and retain the best people regardless of their gender, marital/parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, religious belief age, background, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency
Assistant Planning Officer employer: East Herts Council
Contact Detail:
East Herts Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Planning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with East Herts' planning policies and recent developments in the area. Understanding the local context will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you would provide pre-application advice. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex information in a clear and positive manner.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience or coursework related to planning, geography, or environmental sciences. This will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to take on the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the in-person interview by practicing common interview questions related to time management and handling a varied caseload. Being able to articulate your strategies for meeting deadlines will be crucial.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Assistant Planning Officer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any experience related to planning, geography, or environmental sciences. Mention specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your knowledge and skills in these areas.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since good communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application of how you've effectively communicated complex information in a clear and positive manner, both in writing and verbally.
Express Willingness to Learn: Make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the role and your willingness to further your training in town planning. Mention any relevant courses or certifications you are interested in pursuing, such as the town planning apprenticeship pathway.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Herts Council
✨Research East Herts Council
Before your interview, take some time to learn about East Herts Council and its planning policies. Understanding their goals, especially regarding sustainable development and affordable housing, will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle real-life planning scenarios. Think of examples from your studies or previous experiences where you successfully managed a project or resolved an issue.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since good communication is essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be prepared to discuss how you would convey planning information positively and proactively to various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Time Management Abilities
Be ready to discuss how you prioritize tasks and manage deadlines. Share specific examples of how you've effectively balanced multiple responsibilities in the past, as this will highlight your suitability for handling a varied caseload.
