At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Planning Officer, shaping Shetland's future through diverse planning activities.
- Company: Shetland Islands Council offers a unique work environment in stunning landscapes and vibrant communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent salary, relocation package, flexible working, and a fantastic work/life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant discipline; experience in planning is a plus but not essential.
- Other info: Career progression opportunities with full support for necessary qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Planning Officer – Development Management 37hpw
£41,530.12 – £51,376.49 per annum (J – L Career Graded) inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Salary scale placement is dependent on qualifications and experience.
A relocation package applies to this post and we will pay interview expenses from within the UK.
Are you an ambitious planning professional with experience in undertaking regulatory activity across the range of planning activities and looking for both a fresh career challenge, and a better quality of life?
Shetland’s spectacular landscapes, coastal waters and diverse economy make the islands an exceptional place to work in planning.
Here at Shetland Islands Council we have a job for someone just like you. In a challenging and varied role, you will have opportunities to assist in the delivery and maintenance of existing planned growth as well as the protection of the islands community’s interests.
As a Planning Officer for Shetland Islands Council you will benefit from:
- Excellent Salary and Conditions
- Distant islands allowance
- A varied workload and first-rate career development opportunities.
- Gaining experience collaborating with various stakeholders, including those involved with major and national developments
- A chance to work across a range of island communities
- A stress-free commute to work
- An exceptional work/life balance
The islands provide a strategic hub for a wide range of established and emerging industries including a spaceport development in Unst, onshore and offshore renewables, aquaculture, and nationally significant energy projects.
Working as a planner in our Development Management team, you will play a vital part in shaping life in Shetland and maintaining the islands special characteristics and qualities. You will carry out the full duties of the post, making recommendations on various types of planning application in accordance with the legislative requirements and the Council’s statutory duties, aswell as any applications that follow.
You will make a difference within the community you’re living in and get to see first- hand the impact of decisions made within the role. We’ll give you exposure to all development types, and help you to develop your career at a faster rate than you would working in other locations.
Shetland is an archipelago in the far north of the British Isles where you’ll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and a dynamic, forward-looking society. The islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities.
But there is more to Shetland than this. Positioned at the heart of the North Sea oil boom since its inception in the 1970s, the islands play a central role in the UK’s remaining oil and gas sector and are now at the forefront of the green energy transition goal – backed by some of the richest renewable energy resources in the world.
As a result, Shetland enjoys extremely high standards of living: fantastic schools, a state-of-the-art cinema and arts centre and unparalleled access to sporting facilities are all things Shetlanders enjoy. You’ll also find superb roads, frequent bus services, reliable inter-island ferries and frequent flights to Scottish and English cities and, increasingly superfast broadband.
Additional Information
We’re not just offering you a job, we’re offering the chance to grow your career and your interests, and become part of a community which will give back as much as you put into it to protect its interests. There really is no better place to live and work.
We’re looking for someone who’s motivated, enthusiastic and highly organised, with excellent negotiating, written, numeracy, people and communication skills. You will be educated to degree in a discipline relevant to the planning profession, ideally an RTPI recognised qualificationan and be able to analyse and interpret data, prepare reports and briefings, take part and lead on topic groups and manage projects.
Relevant experience in undertaking regulatory duties across the range of planning activities at local authority level would be an advantage in this role.
This vacancy is being advertised as a Career Graded post, which is a career development opportunity. This means that the Council is committed to supporting the successful candidate to obtain the necessary skills, abilities and knowledge to become fully competent in the role. Please see the Career Grade document attached to this advert that outlines the entry level requirements for the job and the expected career progression route. The successful candidate will be supported to become fully competent in the role and progress through the career grade. Where there is a requirement to achieve a qualification, this will be fully funded by the Council.
More detail is provided in the Job Profile, Person Specification and Conditions of Service Summary attached to the bottom of this advert.
- The grade of this post is J/K/L
- This post is career graded – your salary and career progression will depend on your experience and qualifications
- Salary shown in the advert is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance of £2,859 per annum (pro rata)
- Permanent Full Time post for 37.0 Hours per Week , 52.18 weeks per year
- A relocation package does apply to this post
- We will pay interview expenses from within the UK
- You must have the ability to travel throughout Shetland at short notice and where public transport is limited
- We are happy to talk flexible working
During the application process you are required to give the names of two persons not related to you, who we can contact to provide a reference to support your application.
This post is based at 8 North Ness, Lerwick, Shetland.
For further details relating to this post, please contact: Iain McDiarmid, Executive Manager on: 01595 744813 or email: Iain.McDiarmid@shetland.gov.uk or John Holden, Team Leader on: 01595 743898 or email: John.Holden@shetland.gov.uk
If you have a disability which prevents you from applying online, please call 01595 744032.
Information about Shetland
Shetland is an archipelago in the north of the British Isles where you\’ll find freedom, wildlife and wild beauty, but also a rich culture and dynamic, forward-looking society. The Islands have a thriving and diverse economy full of opportunities and offer residents the ideal work/life balance. Shetland combines stunning coastal landscapes and wide open spaces with friendly, bustling island communities. Factor in Shetland\’s impressive modern amenities, highly regarded schools and the Islands offer a work life balance rarely found elsewhere.
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Planning Officer - Development Management - SIC08164 employer: Shetland Enterprise
Contact Detail:
Shetland Enterprise Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer - Development Management - SIC08164
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Shetland's unique planning landscape. Understanding local regulations and the specific challenges faced by the community will help you stand out during interviews, showing your commitment to the role and the region.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Shetland Islands Council. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with stakeholder engagement. As a Planning Officer, you'll need to collaborate with various groups, so highlighting your ability to negotiate and communicate effectively will be crucial.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent developments in Shetland, especially those related to renewable energy and major projects. Being knowledgeable about ongoing initiatives will demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to the community's growth and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer - Development Management - SIC08164
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Planning Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience in planning or regulatory activities, especially at a local authority level. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to analyse data, prepare reports, and manage projects effectively.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your motivation for applying and your enthusiasm for working in Shetland. Mention your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the area, and how you can contribute positively to the community.
Prepare References: Identify two professional references who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. Ensure they are aware they may be contacted and provide them with information about the role so they can tailor their references accordingly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shetland Enterprise
✨Research Shetland Islands Council
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Shetland Islands Council and its role in the community. Understand their current projects, values, and how they contribute to the local economy. This will show your genuine interest in the position and help you tailor your responses.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
As a Planning Officer, you'll likely face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated planning challenges or worked with stakeholders. Be ready to discuss your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in planning roles. Be prepared to discuss how you've communicated complex information to various audiences, including stakeholders and the public. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Community Impact
Express your passion for making a positive impact on the community through planning. Discuss how you envision contributing to the development and preservation of Shetland's unique characteristics. This will resonate well with the interviewers and align with their mission.