At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver professional planning services and manage diverse development applications.
- Company: Orkney Islands Council, committed to equal opportunities and community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, relocation package, and mentorship from experienced planners.
- Other info: Dynamic role with around 500-600 applications yearly and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your planning career with a supportive team and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Open to graduates and experienced planners with relevant skills.
The predicted salary is between 27.9 - 27.9 £ per hour.
Council Offices, Kirkwall
35 hours per week
Permanent
£38,747 – £42,342 / £42,908 - £47,397 / £48,017 - £50,919
£21.23 – £23.20 / £23.51 - £25.97 / £26.31 - £27.90 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
This is a career graded post so placing on salary will be depending on qualifications and experience.
You will be reporting to the Team Manager Development Management. Your working pattern is 5 days per week, 9am – 5pm. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to deliver professional planning service duties within the Development Management team including maintaining high quality performance in providing pre-application advice, processing applications and reporting to Committee in accordance with national and Orkney Islands Council policies and procedures.
We require a planner with the drive and commitment to contribute to the delivery of a diverse development management caseload. Our team carries a diverse and complex caseload with around 500-600 applications a year encompassing major and national developments, listed building, harbour works licence applications and householder applications as well as the Corporate Gazetteer.
The post is open to graduates looking to begin their career in planning; where you will join a team of professional planners working alongside other planners and with mentorship from a group of team managers and the service manager. Given the diversity of our workload we are also welcoming applications from more experienced planners.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the ‘must have’ section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Interview expenses are payable for this post.
Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 9 August 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 10 August 2026 and interviews are scheduled for week commencing 24 August 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Gavin Barr at gavin.barr@orkney.gov.uk on 01856 873535.
Orkney Islands Council is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, gender, race or ethnicity, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status or gender reassignment status.
Planner - Development Management - ORK10529 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Orkney Islands Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values professional development and flexible working arrangements. With a diverse caseload and opportunities for mentorship from experienced planners, employees can expect meaningful career growth while contributing to the vibrant community of Kirkwall. The council also provides competitive salaries, a relocation package, and a commitment to equal opportunities, making it an attractive choice for both new graduates and seasoned professionals in the planning field.
