At a Glance
- Tasks: Support planning officers with applications, enquiries, and research in Belfast.
- Company: Belfast City Council, committed to public service and community development.
- Benefits: Earn £13.45 per hour, enjoy flexible working, and gain valuable experience.
- Other info: Work 37 hours a week with a mix of office and remote work.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in planning while making a positive impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Studying a relevant qualification and have a full driving licence.
The predicted salary is between 13.45 - 13.45 £ per hour.
Main purpose of job
To assist Planning and Place officers in providing support with matters relating to planning, applications and planning control. To provide the unit support through the provision of responses to planning enquiries from members of the public. To provide research assistance on planning histories and on other matters as required.
Summary of responsibilities and personal duties
- To assist in the processing of planning, related applications and breaches of planning control.
- Assist in the preparation of reports and agree recommendations with the Senior Planning Officer on planning and related applications.
- Liaise with and respond to enquiries relating to planning matters, including those relating to the need for planning permission, from members of the public, in person, writing, phone, email, etc.
- To assist planning officers by undertaking site visits in various locations across Belfast using own transport to record site information and to research planning histories and other matters.
- To provide cover for and advice to the business support officers in respect of validation, consultation and publicity.
- To contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery.
- To assist in studies related to the preparation of the new development plan for Belfast City Council area.
- To undertake the duties in such a way as to enhance and protect the reputation and public profile of Belfast City Council.
- To undertake such other relevant duties which may, from time to time, be required.
Employee specification
Essential criteria
Qualifications
Applicants must, as at the closing date have: be studying for a relevant third level qualification, such as Planning and Property Development, or equivalent qualification; and have a full driving licence which enables the post holder to drive in Northern Ireland and a car available for official business or access to a form of transport which will enable the applicant to meet the requirements of the post.
Experience
This post is suitable for candidates requiring experience to progress their careers in the field of Planning. Therefore, they should have an understanding of issues to work within the planning discipline. No experience is essential for this post.
Special skills and attributes
Applicants must be able to demonstrate, by providing personal and specific examples, that they possess the following special skills and attributes:
- Customer care skills: the ability to respond appropriately to all customers including members of the public, council officers, elected representatives in a helpful and positive way, even in respect of sensitive or difficult issues with the ability to meet their individual needs in a timely manner.
- Oral communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and internal and external customers conveying information using appropriate methods being mindful that they represent the council.
- Written communication skills: the ability to draft clear and accurate documents using a good standard of literacy and comprehension and the ability to respond to emails using appropriate language and tone.
- Team working skills: the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with others as a member of a team to contribute to achievement of team objectives and the ability to work unsupervised on own initiative as required.
- Work planning and organisational skills: the ability to plan workload and meet team and individual work objectives and an understanding of the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in all aspects of duties.
- Information technology skills: the ability to use a range of standard office computer packages including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases.
- Political sensitivity: the ability to deal with elected representatives and personal or sensitive information appropriately with an understanding of the confidentiality of such information.
Other Information:
- Start Date: 1 September 2026
- Closing Date: 27 August 2026
- Hours of Work: 37 hours per week - 3 days in the office 2 working from home after initial training period.
- Rate of Pay: £13.45 per hour plus accrued holiday pay
- Location: Belfast City Centre
If you would like to apply for this role, please send us your updated CV via the link provided and one of the team will be in touch with you. Or if you would like to discuss this position, please contact Task Recruitment to speak to one of our consultants.
The client reserves the right to close vacancies earlier than the specified date, should they receive sufficient applications. If interested, please send your CV as early as possible.
We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.
Temporary Planning Assistant - Belfast (Public Sector) employer: Task Recruitment
Task Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a friendly and professional work environment for Receptionists in the vibrant city of Belfast. With opportunities for short-term work, employees can gain valuable experience while enjoying competitive pay and flexible hours. The company values reliability and professionalism, ensuring that all team members are supported in their roles and have the chance to thrive in a dynamic office setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Temporary Planning Assistant - Belfast (Public Sector)
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Temporary Planning Assistant - Belfast (Public Sector)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Task Recruitment
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Task Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Task Recruitment that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
