At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning applications and provide customer advice in a dynamic team environment.
- Company: Join a local government team dedicated to public service and community support.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with the chance to work on diverse projects and improve public services.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community while developing essential administrative and planning skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 or equivalent; understanding of planning processes and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
To work as part of a team responsible for all supporting administrative functions for the processing of planning applications, including receipt, scanning, validation, consultation, committee preparation and the issuing of decision notices.
To assist with the preparation of the agenda for the Planning Application Committee. To provide customer advice on planning matters and to accurately direct customers to the relevant authorities for advice on other topics.
Principal Accountabilities- Carry out all procedures associated with the legal validation of planning applications, including checking fees, ensuring that all documents, certificates and plans are correctly supplied and negotiating variations to submitted documents and plans.
- To receive and receipt applications and accompanying fees, ensuring that all money payments taken are properly recorded and made safe pending banking, maintaining daily records of all fees and sales income received in accordance with adopted procedures.
- To be responsible for accurately identifying all relevant consultees for each application type and to carry out all consultation notification and correspondence procedures connected with planning applications, within the required target times.
- To use the document management system to scan and index application documents, using multiple data sources to identify the correct index to apply to documents.
- To carry out all other support functions in connection with the processing of planning applications, including co-ordinating the major cases meeting agenda, preparation of committee presentations and the issuing of decision notices.
- Where a recognised technical qualification is being undertaken or the postholder is suitably experienced and subject to management agreement, to deal with all aspects of a range of simple planning applications.
- To participate in the maintenance, development and implementation of processes and systems, including continuous review to ensure best working practice and service delivery.
- To undertake basic research and record technical information including statistical returns when necessary for the performance management purposes.
- To be responsible for logging planning application fees and sales income, refunds and associated banking functions, via the Oracle finance system.
- To provide advice to customers both in person, by telephone or electronic means, on planning process matters and to accurately direct customers to the relevant authorities for advice on other topics.
- To ensure that the council's statutory registers of current and decided planning applications are maintained and updated as necessary.
- To work flexibly in undertaking the duties and responsibilities of this job and participate as required in multi-disciplinary and cross-organisational groups and task teams.
It is essential that in your written supporting statement you give evidence or examples of your proven experience in each of the short-listing criteria marked Application (A). You should expect that all areas listed below will be assessed as part of the interview and assessment process should you be shortlisted.
Shortlisting Criteria- Educated to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- An understanding of the workings of the planning process
- A good understanding of working in local government/the public sector and the importance of public service, ethics and standards, partnership working and customer care.
- Experience of providing comprehensive administrative support, and a customer facing service, as part of a team within a busy and demanding environment.
- Experience of working to tight deadlines with conflicting priorities.
- Experience of providing advice to customers.
Technical Officer/Trainee Planner employer: Job Switch
As a Technical Officer/Trainee Planner, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to supporting the planning application process in a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Our company prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can advance your career while contributing to meaningful public service. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a supportive culture that values ethics, customer care, and partnership working, making it an excellent place for those seeking a rewarding career in local government.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Officer/Trainee Planner
✨Connect with Your Local Council
Don’t underestimate the power of local councils for traineeships in the government and public sector. Pop down to your local council office and ask about any upcoming trainee programmes—they usually have insights on what's available in your area!
✨Join Public Sector Networking Events
Get involved with networking events that focus on the public sector. These gatherings are golden opportunities to meet potential employers and current trainees who can shed light on hidden opportunities and the application process. Keep an eye on Eventbrite or local community boards!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you’re at university, make sure to use your career services! They often have direct connections with government agencies and can help you find trainee roles specifically aimed at students. Plus, they host workshops that can prepare you for the application process.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you see a role at Job Switch that interests you, don’t just save it for later—apply directly through our website. Clearly highlighting your enthusiasm for public service in your application can give you an edge. We’re here rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Officer/Trainee Planner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Enthusiasm for Public Service:When applying for a role in the government-public-sector like Technical Officer/Trainee Planner, it's crucial to express your passion for public service. Make sure your cover letter highlights why you want to contribute to the community and any relevant experiences that show your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your CV for the Public Sector:Your CV should reflect a genuine understanding of the public sector's values and skills. Emphasise any volunteer work, internships, or relevant coursework that demonstrates your ability to navigate policies, regulations, or community engagement. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're dedicated to this specific field.
Highlight Your Skills in Research and Analysis:In the government-public-sector, research and analytical skills are key. So, include examples in your application that show you can gather, evaluate, and interpret data. This could be a project from university, an internship task, or even relevant coursework; just make it crystal clear that you’ve got what it takes to make informed decisions.
Be Clear About Your Learning Goals:As a trainee, it’s important to show that you're eager to learn and grow. In your cover letter, mention specific skills or knowledge you hope to gain through the Technical Officer/Trainee Planner position at Job Switch. This demonstrates your long-term commitment and desire to develop in the public sector.
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Switch
✨Know the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with key government policies and how they impact public services. Since you’re aiming for a trainee role, being able to discuss recent initiatives or reforms shows you’re engaged and aware of the sector’s challenges and opportunities.
✨Highlight Your Drive to Serve
In public sector interviews like this one, they’re really interested in your motivation. Make sure you can articulate why you want to serve the community and how your values align with the mission of Job Switch. They’ll be looking for that passion!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You’ll likely face scenario questions about dealing with citizens or managing projects. Think through examples where you demonstrated teamwork, problem-solving, or resilience in a community project or voluntary role. Use the STAR technique to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, your ability and eagerness to learn are crucial. Be ready to discuss how you've embraced new experiences in the past, whether through studies or work placements. Illustrate your adaptability and readiness for mentorship in the role at Job Switch.
