Planning Officer (Career Graded)

This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who has recently graduated (or is due to graduate shortly) from a Town and Country Planning (or other relevant or related) degree and who is looking to begin their career in Planning. This career graded role provides opportunities for graduates of other (relevant or related) subjects to undertake an RTPI accredited master’s degree. The diverse nature of the role will quickly develop your knowledge and understanding of the wider planning system and provide a solid foundation upon which to base your future career.

Working within the Development Management team (which forms part of Oldham Council’s wider Planning Service) you will act as case officer for small-scale planning (and other) applications with the majority being for domestic extensions. Alongside this, when required, you will support other officers with the associated administration work and assist with the investigation of alleged breaches of planning controls. Providing a resident focussed service is at the heart of the role.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as case officer for small scale planning applications
• Provide timely advice to applicants, agents, councillors, and the public regarding planning issues raised, and ensure website content is accurate
• Support the administration work involved in processing planning applications
• Assist with the investigation of planning enforcement complaints.

Key requirements:

• A degree in Town and Country Planning (or a relevant or related subject) or be actively working towards this
• Experience of working effectively as part of a high performing team
• Knowledge of the UK planning system and associated processes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact: A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing. We’re looking for candidates who will support us to achieve our ambitions.

Our values and behaviours:

By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate. These are ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together’, and they shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham.

Our benefits package:

• 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years’ service
• The option to purchase additional annual leave.
• An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
• Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
• Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more.
• Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
• Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
• Staff recognition and celebration events.
• Peer support groups.

We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character.

Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship. If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application. If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.

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Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.