Landscape Architect in Houghton-Le-Spring

Location: Chase House, Rainton Bridge Head Office

Reporting to: Planning Director

In applying for this position, you understand and accept that, if your application results in an offer of employment, relevant pre-employment checks will be conducted including a basic DBS check.

NOTE: All applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to work from our central office in Houghton-le-Spring.

Overview

The job holder will help the business by owning responsibility for providing professional landscape advice for OnPath Energy. They will review and assess the suitability of new prospects; develop the landscape approach and strategy for individual and multiple projects; develop briefs for landscape consultants and review tender submissions; coordinate and develop the landscape masterplans; develop LVIA’s and non-EIA landscape appraisals and provide advice on all aspects of landscape policy and guidance. The individual in this role will serve as the primary point of contact for all landscape-related elements within OnPath, as well as for external landscape consultants.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

To develop project landscape strategies, design and masterplans including:

• To work on a range of projects as required by the Planning Director. This is likely to involve multiple projects and require landscape advice, review of site suitability and LVIA work;
• Creation of landscape masterplans incorporating ecological and landscape mitigation / enhancements in conjunction with our consultants, concept designs and detailed proposals;
• Costing of masterplan elements for budget purposes;
• To work with individual project teams to develop the landscape strategy and project design to best achieve viable planning success;
• To prepare (where required), co-ordinate and review LVIAs / landscape appraisals and EIA chapters;
• To monitor, report and prepare responses to national and local authority consultation papers regarding landscape issues;
• To undertake site surveys and the production of wirelines and photomontages to aid site review and design; and
• Supporting the delivery of biodiversity net gain strategies and habitat creation.

Preparation, Co-ordination and Delivery of Landscape Requirements for Planning Applications:

• Where required prepare, complete and technically review the required landscape deliverables (landscape input into Screening and Scoping opinions, LVIA / landscape appraisals, environmental impact assessments, appeals and representations, discharge of landscape elements of planning conditions) and secure the relevant satisfactory output;
• To procure and manage landscape consultants; and
• To work closely with Project Planners to provide specific inputs into projects in terms of scope of works, landscape strategy, project masterplans incorporating landscape wide mitigation and enhancements, viable programmes and advise on likely landscape related costs.

To work with Local Planning Authorities, Statutory Consultees and Communities:

• To liaise with planning authorities, key agencies and other consultees ensuring that their information requirements are met and to secure their support for OnPath’s projects and activities;
• To assist in community liaison, attend exhibitions and meetings;
• To develop lasting relationships with planning authorities and other organisations with the aim of widening and maintaining our information and contacts base to support the company’s activities.

To work safely

• The job holder must work in accordance with OnPath’s Health and SAFETY Plan and always follow established safety procedures.

KEY CONTACTS

Whilst the role reports to the Planning Director, most contact will be with the planning team and the multi-disciplinary project teams.

External contacts include but are not exhaustive to Local Authority personnel and associated statutory consultees and landscape consultants.

Attendance at community exhibitions and meetings will be required in support of projects.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The job holder will find their time divided between office-based and out-of-office activities through project and business team working, meetings with external bodies, and interested parties such as LPAs, consultants, key stakeholders and communities. Work cycle periods will be driven by planning deadlines and committees, business plan targets and company project reviews and milestones.

TECHNICAL SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Educated to degree and/or post graduate diploma level or equivalent. Experience in the preparation and co-ordination of landscape elements required for the submission of planning applications. Experience of landscape master planning, liaising with local planning authorities and experience of working on renewable energy projects, particularly wind is essential. A good understanding of historic landscapes, habitat creation to the extent it relates to wider landscape enhancement and master planning is desirable.

Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, TECHNICAL SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

ESSENTIAL:

• Educated to degree and / or post graduate diploma level.
• Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute.
• Experience in the preparation, co-ordination and technical review of LVIA / non-EIA landscape appraisals and EIA landscape chapters.
• Experience in landscape master planning and preparation of detailed design and specifications for tendering of landscape works.
• Demonstrable experience of and liaising with local planning authorities and statutory consultees regarding to achieving successful outcome and proportionate survey requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and an experienced user of CAD and visualisation software.
• Demonstrable experience of being able to work as part of a multi-disciplinary project team and on an individual basis with minimum supervision; and
• Demonstrable experience of the ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure; and Full UK Driving licence and comfortable with regular travel, sometimes at short notice.

DESIRABLE:

• A good understanding of historic landscapes, supporting BNG and habitat creation to the extent it relates to wider landscape enhancement and master planning activities.
• Working knowledge of the Environmental Impact Assessments and LVIA process in England, Scotland and Wales; and
• Experience of the requirements from a landscape perspective for Town and Country planning applications, S36 and NSIPs.

PERSONAL QUALITIES/COMPETENCIES:

• Flare and imagination to think creatively and solve problems.
• Ability to motivate, to lead by example and knows when to accept and when to challenge.
• Strong design, assessment, and report writing skills.
• Background of delivery in rural environments and renewable sectors.
• Confident in managing projects independently.
• Collaborative mindset with a drive to innovate and improve.
• Integrity and the ability to lead through influence.
• Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail.
• Good judgement, showing logical decision making, and a hands-on approach.
• Co-ordinate and direct internal and external meetings commensurate to experience level.
• Confident, a self-starter, with the ability to operate in a dynamic challenging environment.
• A positive ‘can do’ enthusiastic attitude towards addressing technical challenges OnPath may face.
• Ability to work in strategic way, but also comfortable in managing the day-to-day details in a hands-on way.
• Excellent people skills (particularly active listening, empathy and influencing).
• Capable of independent thought and prepared to challenge current practice.
• Diligent; good attention to detail; thorough in approach
• Exercises sound judgement & composure under pressure
• Flexible & responsive, exhibiting emotional intelligence & adaptability.

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