At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the review and preparation of Exmoor National Park's Local Plan, ensuring compliance and community engagement.
- Company: Join Exmoor National Park Authority, a purpose-led organisation dedicated to protecting nature and supporting communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and strong wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes while shaping its future.
- Qualifications: Extensive planning knowledge, project management skills, and RTPI membership required.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 41771 £ per year.
Exmoor National Park is a unique and beautiful part of the country. Our vision is that Exmoor remains a beautiful landscape, leading the response to climate change and nature recovery, a welcoming place for all, as well as a great place to live, work and do business. We are now looking for a Senior Local Plan Officer to join us on a fixed-term contract for three years. This is a full-time role, although part-time working will also be considered.
The Benefits
- Salary of £37,280 - £41,771 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time)
- Paid sickness, parental and compassionate leave, plus time off for dependants
- Time off to attend medical appointments
- Access to trained Mental Health First Aiders and a 24/7 confidential helpline
This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced planning professional with extensive knowledge of planning policy and strong project management skills to join our purpose-led organisation. You’ll have the chance to shape the future of one of the country’s most distinctive National Parks, supporting communities to thrive whilst protecting Exmoor’s landscape, nature and long‑term resilience. With flexible working options, a generous pension and strong wellbeing support, this is a fantastic role in which to make your mark. So, if you’re ready to help shape Exmoor’s future and put your planning expertise behind a place that truly matters, read on and apply today.
The Role
As a Senior Local Plan Officer, you will help lead the review and preparation of the Exmoor National Park Local Plan, ensuring it meets legal requirements and key milestones. Working closely with the Policy and Community Manager, you will manage the Local Plan project timetable, develop and draft planning policies, and oversee the evidence and technical studies needed to support a sound and effective plan. You will provide technical planning policy advice to colleagues and Authority members while supporting consultation and engagement with communities, councils and other stakeholders. Additionally, you will:
- Liaise with Development Management and specialist officers
- Engage with neighbouring planning authorities
- Support statutory consultation and community engagement
- Develop statements of common ground and memoranda of understanding
- Represent the Authority at Local Plan Examination Hearings
About You
To be considered as a Senior Local Plan Officer, you will need:
- An extensive understanding of the planning process, planning legislation, government policy and guidance and procedures
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, planning software applications and mapping software, e.g. QGIS
- Excellent project management skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- A Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) recognised planning degree and postgraduate planning diploma or master’s degree
- Professional membership of the RTPI
- A full, valid driving licence
The closing date for this role is 7th September 2026.
Webrecruit and Exmoor National Park Authority are equal opportunities employers, value diversity and are strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.
Senior Local Plan Officer in Dulverton employer: Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park offers a unique and rewarding work environment, where the beauty of the landscape is matched by our commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. As a Corporate Administration Officer, you will benefit from generous annual leave, paid sick and parental leave, and access to mental health support, all within a supportive culture that values your contributions to our mission of climate change response and nature recovery. Join us in a role that not only enhances your administrative skills but also allows you to make a meaningful impact in a stunning location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Local Plan Officer in Dulverton
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Exmoor National Park, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Exmoor National Park and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Local Plan Officer in Dulverton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Exmoor National Park and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Exmoor National Park
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Exmoor National Park, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Exmoor National Park.
