Assistant Planning Officer / Planning Officer

Assistant Planning Officer / Planning Officer

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it\’s about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We Currently Have The Following Opportunity

Assistant Planning Officer / Planning Officer (Level 1) – PKC13331
£27,836 – £45,349
Pullar House, Perth

Are you a planning officer or graduate keen to develop your planning knowledge and skills in a pivotal role in our Development Management team? If so, you might be the person for us.

We are looking for a planner, or graduate planner, to be part of our team of three officers who deal mainly with householder planning applications. This is an exciting opportunity for a wide range of candidates including a planner (with or without RTPI membership), planning graduate (preferably RTPI accredited), or someone who has a degree in a related discipline and can demonstrate that they have been progressing a career in planning.

You will be part of our wider team of planning officers, technicians, enforcement officers and support staff within the Economy, Development & Planning service of Perth & Kinross Council.

You will need to be a team player, as well as being able to work on your own initiative, in order to review, assess and determine planning applications and associated submissions timeously, while also providing excellent customer service and considering both local and national policies and legislation.

We will encourage you to take advantage of available training opportunities, developing your skills and supporting and improving the service.

Expected responsibilities include processing a caseload covering a wide range of applications, initially householder and local applications, with a pro‑active approach to ensure best use of resources and a joined‑up approach to delivering the Council\’s aims and objectives.

Skills & Experience Required

You will have a town planning degree or a degree in a related discipline and can demonstrate that you have been progressing a career in planning.

We have one vacancy and you will be appointed as either an Assistant Planning Officer or a Planning Officer (Level 1) depending upon your qualifications and experience. Initial placement on the salary scale will reflect this. This post is part of a career grade structure; if you are appointed as an Assistant Planning Officer, there is an opportunity to progress to a Planning Officer once membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute has been gained.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Will Be

• Qualified or experienced: Hold a degree in planning or a related subject. Use computer systems and relevant IS/T applications. Some experience working in a Local Planning Authority setting would be useful.
• Strong communicator: Efficient and effective written, oral and interpersonal communication and presentation skills. Engage confidently with other professionals, members of the public and other stakeholders.
• Organised and self‑motivated: Manage multiple priorities, plan effectively, deliver structured outcomes, meet tight deadlines with accuracy, and produce outcomes at the required quality levels and customer focus.
• Decision Maker: Make clear and considered decisions and take account of team, Service and corporate priorities. Demonstrate problem‑solving skills and work on own initiative with minimal supervision. Objectivity in coping with challenging situations.
• Collaborative and professional: Work well in multidisciplinary teams, engaging stakeholders with professionalism and confidence.
• Customer focused: Commit to delivering a timely and reliable high standard of customer care.
• Health & Safety aware: Take personal responsibility for caring for yourself and others and comply with all relevant Health and Safety legislation.

Additional Requirements

• Hold a valid driving licence to allow use of pool vehicles on Council duty, as this post requires you to travel to a variety of locations across Perth and Kinross.
• Able to cope with the demands of the job and attend on a regular basis.
• Occasionally attend meetings out with normal work hours.

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and if invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours.

Here’s What We Can Offer You

• A generous annual leave package
• 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
• Eligibility to join our pension scheme
• Family‑friendly and positive work/life balance policies, such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
• Flexi time
• Access to a range of benefits

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and encourage you to get in touch with Christine McLaren to find out more. Click \”APPLY NOW\”.

External candidates are required to provide contact details for two referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

We welcome applications from everyone and, as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. We welcome applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists.

To comply with Baseline Personnel Security Standard, you will be required to complete a Disclosure Scotland check. If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more within the last five years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre‑employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.