Assistant Planner

The Assistant Planners are responsible for implementing programmes of work in the Planning Department and for providing a multiplicity of planning and related services. Assistant Planners are also required to input into multi-disciplinary project teams. The Assistant Planner position is multi-faceted and may include some or all the following key service areas:

• Development Management
• Planning Enforcement
• Strategic Policy
• Special Projects

The Assistant Planner will work under the supervision of a Senior Executive Planner, and such planning or ancillary services as may be required in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties including the duty of assisting the Senior Planner, or other appropriate professional officer, in the supervision of the planning or ancillary services and when required to do so, to deputise for Executive Planners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessment and making of recommendations on planning applications in line with all relevant national, regional, and local plans and policies, and in accordance with the appropriate legislation and guidelines as required.
• Conduct pre-application consultations and provision of planning advice to members of the public, internal departments and to the elected members.
• Assisting in the preparation of the County Development Plan, Local Area Plans, and other planning policy reports and studies.
• Carry out survey work, research, analysis, drafting policies and proposals, preparing written statements and maps and other work as required on the agreed work programme.
• Undertake site visits and preparing reasoned recommendations in relation to planning enforcement, including attendance at court cases, and presenting evidence.
• Responding to planning queries, monitoring of data and completions of returns from other Council departments and national and regional Government/statutory agencies, external bodies as directed.
• Build and maintain co-operative working relationships and supervision of staff as required.
• Represent the Council at meetings with staff, elected members, community and general interest groups as required.
• Any other associated duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by Westmeath County Council.

Qualifications for the Assistant Planner Position:

• Character: Candidates shall be of good character.
• Health: Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
• Education, Experience, etc: Candidates shall hold a qualification in Planning (at least level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications); have at least two years satisfactory experience of planning work; and possess a high standard of technical training and experience.
• Citizenship: Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be a citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom (UK), Switzerland, or meet specific visa requirements.

The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Good knowledge of planning legislation and the principles, practices, and techniques of planning.
• An understanding of strategy formulation process for the realisation of organisational goals and objectives.
• Good knowledge of current and future planning issues facing Co. Westmeath.
• A strong sense of commitment to delivering quality public services.
• An ability to work positively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• An ability to demonstrate competence in identifying problems and contributing to solutions, communicating effectively, and delivering quality work and services.
• Good report writing skills and strong IT skills.
• Good knowledge, or the ability to quickly acquire same, of local government functions, services, and activities particularly in relation to planning and development.
• An ability to deal effectively with conflicting demands.
• An ability to work effectively under pressure and manage several programmes and projects at any one time.
• An ability to think laterally, maintaining a solution orientated mind-set in dealing with a wide range of issues.
• Have an awareness of Health and Safety Legislation and Regulations, the implications for the organisation and the employee, and their application in the workplace.