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- Tasks: Lead the monitoring and enforcement of planning control across Hertfordshire.
- Company: Join a dedicated team ensuring effective planning for minerals and waste development.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home working with site visits and collaborative team meetings.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities while developing your planning expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or equivalent experience in planning enforcement required.
- Other info: Must have a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
About the team
The Development Management Team has responsibility for determining, monitoring and enforcing planning applications for minerals and waste development as well as determining applications for the county council’s own development such as schools, day centres and fire & rescue facilities. The team is comprised of experienced town planners and associated support staff to ensure the statutory and discretionary functions are implemented appropriately working alongside developers, operators, property colleagues, agents, consultants, internal and external technical experts, legal officers and partnering agencies, amongst others.
About the role
As lead officer, you will oversee the monitoring, investigation and enforcement of planning control across Hertfordshire. Enforcement at the County Council is proactive as we actively monitor minerals and waste sites across Hertfordshire. We need to respond to breaches of planning control including dealing with complaints. The role will need somebody with extensive experience of enforcement and ability to apply this to minerals and waste development. You will need to work collaboratively across the County Council, other District and Borough Councils and bodies such as the Environment Agency in finding solutions to planning breaches and guiding development to provide good outcomes. You will need good communications skills in listening to and dealing with complainants. The role will also involve investigating and dealing with those carrying out development with good communications being supported by diplomacy and powers of persuasion. This will require a confident and measured approach in what may be conflicting situations. This will be supported by attention to detail and data recording. Drafting of reports, notices and evidence will require excellent written skills. Leading on enforcement with one other Monitoring and Enforcement Officer who will require support from this post. The role will cover the entire county and impacts the lives of a significant portion of the county’s population due to the large scale nature of minerals and waste development and the wide range of locations that developments operate in. It allows for home working with the need to visit sites (including access to your own vehicle) for monitoring and investigation and also getting together with colleagues and the Development Management Team as part of collaborative working practice.
About you
- Essential:
- A degree or masters in Town Planning, or membership of RTPI or extensive knowledge and experience of enforcement of planning control
- Knowledge of planning enforcement
- Knowledge and experience of operation of mineral and waste sites
- Team working abilities across Development Management Team and wider Unit and Department
- Ability to work collaboratively with other professionals from organisations such as councils, government agencies and councillors
- Ability to communicate well with complainants including members of the public
- Able to present to committees, public inquiries, court and other ad hoc groups
- Ability to act and communicate well including skills of diplomacy
- Knowledge and experience of making planning judgments.
- Ability to deal with those carrying out development which can be on site including situations of potential conflict
- Ability to observe and record activities and data
- Ability to write letters/emails and communications, reports, statements and notices.
- Minerals and waste sites can be remote and extensive so need to be able to travel across Hertfordshire and walk around these sites.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to own car
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Enforcement & Monitoring Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific planning enforcement regulations and policies in Hertfordshire. Understanding local legislation will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of town planning and enforcement. Attend relevant seminars or workshops to meet people who work in similar roles, as they can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview scenarios by practising how you would handle conflicts or complaints related to planning breaches. Being able to articulate your approach to conflict resolution will showcase your diplomatic skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent cases of planning enforcement in Hertfordshire. Being knowledgeable about current issues will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show that you are proactive in staying informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Enforcement & Monitoring Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in planning enforcement, particularly in minerals and waste development. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle planning breaches and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your communication skills and experience in dealing with complainants. Mention your ability to present to committees and your knowledge of planning enforcement, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills: Since the role requires collaboration with different professionals, include examples in your application that showcase your teamwork abilities. Highlight any previous experiences where you successfully worked with councils, government agencies, or other organisations.
Demonstrate Attention to Detail: Given the importance of drafting reports and notices, ensure your application is free from errors. Pay attention to formatting and clarity in your writing, as this reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Showcase Your Expertise in Planning Enforcement
Make sure to highlight your extensive knowledge and experience in planning enforcement, particularly in minerals and waste development. Be prepared to discuss specific cases where you've successfully navigated complex enforcement issues.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role requires working with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively with different professionals, including councils and government agencies. Share examples of how you've worked in teams to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you would handle complaints or conflicts. Consider role-playing potential scenarios to prepare.
✨Prepare for Site Visits
As the role involves site visits, be ready to discuss your approach to monitoring and investigating sites. Highlight any relevant experience you have in assessing remote locations and how you ensure thorough data recording and reporting.
