Marine Licensing Planner/Case Officer in Belfast

CPL have partnered with Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to recruit for a Marine Planner/Licensing Case Officer (SO Grade) to join their team on a temporary contract, with possibility of extension.

Pay Rate - £19.59 per/hr

DAERA, Marine and Fisheries Regulation and Enforcement Branch/DAERA, Marine Licensing

Benefits: 37 days holiday per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

The Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD), part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group is responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:

• All fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health) and the marine environment

The Marine Licensing Branch provides a main function for marine licensing, compliance and enforcement under Part 4 of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act, 2009, the Marine Works (EIA) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and subordinate legislation.

Responsibilities will include:

• Take the lead in handling routine and, where necessary, complex marine licence applications. Oversee a caseload from initial submission through to determination, ensuring decisions are delivered within agreed timeframes.
• Facilitate early discussions with applicants, agents, and consultees to clarify requirements and expectations.
• Conduct site visits when necessary to inform planning decisions.
• Draft licence documents using approved templates and guidance, ensuring recommendations and decisions are clear, well-reasoned, and compliant with relevant legislation and policy.
• Contribute to the assessment and planning of Offshore Renewable Energy proposals and other strategic marine developments as required.
• Assist in developing and implementing the Branch's Business Improvement Plan.
• Lead or support projects that enhance processes, improve service delivery, and adapt to industry changes.
• Draft responses to general correspondence, Ministerial queries, Freedom of Information (FOI), and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests, acting as a trained decision-maker within the business area.
• Ensure adherence to departmental policies and standards, including health and safety, performance management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Foster a culture of learning and professional development within the team.

Essential Experience/Qualifications:

• Have at least a Diploma in a fully credited Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or Irish Planning Institute (IPI) course or be a Chartered or Corporate Member of the RTPI or IPI;
• AND Have 2 years post qualification experience gained within the last 5 years of working in the planning or scientific profession.
• AND Have access to a form of transport which will enable the post holder to fulfil the responsibilities of the post.

Desired Experience/Qualifications:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities to manage competing deadlines.
• Skilled in interpreting technical and regulatory information to make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Strong case work experience dealing with complex applications/licences.

If successful you will be required to complete a criminal record check through Access NI; having a criminal conviction will not necessarily exclude you from this process.

Cpl is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace will better our relationships and services with our clients, our candidates, our communities, and one another. Be You, Be Kind, Be Proud.

Skills: Planning, Scientific, Manage

Benefits: Flexitime, Pension, Mileage