At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in planning projects and manage development proposals from start to finish.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a vibrant local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and professional training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with free parking and exciting regeneration projects ahead.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in Planning with hands-on experience and support.
- Qualifications: Degree in Geography or related field; strong communication and organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.
Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Southend on Sea is a city of some 180,000 residents, with 7 miles of waterfront, an international airport, a university, and fantastic transport links to London and surrounding areas. The team achieves nationally leading application performance and has a history of dealing with high profile projects. There are many other exciting major schemes in the pipeline.
Your new role
We are seeking an ambitious graduate to work in our busy, high performing Development Management Service on a full time and permanent contract. This role is being offered on a hybrid basis (on average 2 days per week in office) which is a combination of working from home, visiting sites and attending the office. The Council currently offers a free parking permit and a Southend City wide permit for discharging your operational duties.
As a planning officer, you will provide professional assistance to Planning colleagues and deal with all types of development proposals from preliminary negotiation and registration through to implementation and enforcement. You will deal with a proportion of correspondence, planning applications, informal enquiries and negotiations and be involved in appeals, including preparation of statements, plus the opportunity to attend Informal Hearings and Public Inquiries. You will contribute to the operation and development of the service’s computerised systems. The council will fund membership of relevant professional institutes.
What you\\\'ll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you need to be able to demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, with good keyboard skills. You will demonstrate a passion to exceed service expectations by being friendly, professional, collaborative, and responsive. You will also be able to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
It is vital that you have clear verbal, electronic, and written skills as you will be liaising with a variety of stakeholders across different levels and also be able to multitask and manage conflicting priorities. It is essential that you have excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to make judgements unaided and to work pro-actively.
A full and clean driving licence is essential for this role and your application will not be progressed without it.
You will be expected to have a degree in Geography or related subject eg, History or Environmental based.
Would suit a graduate that has a keen interest in starting a career in Planning where training, development and support would be provided.
What you\\\'ll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the \"Why Work For Us?\" tab.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, please click \'apply online\' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here
Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.
The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.
R2R103477 - 130806 - Planning Officer in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and fulfilling career in local government within a supportive and innovative environment. With flexible working practices, a commitment to employee development, and a diverse range of career opportunities, staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in a vibrant city with excellent transport links and exciting regeneration projects, this role as a Planning Officer provides the chance to contribute to high-profile initiatives while enjoying a positive work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103477 - 130806 - Planning Officer in Southend-on-Sea
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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We think you need these skills to ace R2R103477 - 130806 - Planning Officer in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for South End City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South End City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
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Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for South End City Council.
