Planning Technical Support Assistant in Hailsham

This vacancy may close early due to high volumes of applications.

Want to make a real difference to how planning services are delivered?

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for two organised, proactive and enthusiastic people to join our Planning Services team on 12-month fixed-term contracts. You will be joining a busy service that plays an important role in supporting planning applications and delivering services to residents, businesses and developers across Wealden.

You will be someone who enjoys working as part of a team, can manage competing priorities and takes pride in providing an accurate, efficient and helpful service. Good communication skills, attention to detail and a positive, flexible approach are essential. You will be comfortable working with different people, learning new systems and helping the team respond to changing demands.

Experience in planning or local government would be useful, but we are equally interested in people with transferable administrative, organisational or customer service skills who are keen to learn.

What will the role involve?

You will provide practical administrative and operational support to Planning Services, helping the team manage its workload and maintain an effective service.

Your responsibilities will include supporting the processing and administration of planning applications, maintaining accurate records, updating information on computer systems, responding to enquiries and helping ensure work is completed efficiently and within required timescales.

You will work closely with colleagues across the service, helping to resolve day-to-day issues, manage incoming work and maintain high standards of customer service and data quality.

These are 12-month fixed-term opportunities to join a service undergoing significant change, including the introduction of a new planning system. You will play an important part in maintaining service delivery during this transition while helping the team adapt to new ways of working.

What skills, knowledge and abilities do you require for the role?

We are looking for candidates with good organisational and communication skills, strong attention to detail and the ability to manage their workload effectively. You will need to be comfortable working with computer systems, maintaining accurate records and handling information carefully.

You should be able to prioritise competing tasks, work to deadlines and use your initiative to resolve routine issues. A flexible, practical approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

Good customer service skills are important, along with the confidence to communicate professionally with colleagues, residents and other customers.

Previous administrative or customer service experience is desirable. Experience of working in a planning service or local government, or using planning-related IT systems, would be an advantage but is not essential. You should be willing to learn new systems and adapt to changing processes and priorities.

What do we offer?

- Competitive salary & pension scheme.
- Incremental progression subject to satisfactory performance.
- A friendly, supportive team.
- Opportunities for continuing professional development.
- Hybrid working.

For more information

For more information and an informal chat about opportunities please contact Manny Singh - manny.singh@wealden.gov.uk

About Wealden

Wealden District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities, and all applications will be treated on merit.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. At Wealden District Council, we are committed to fair, accessible recruitment and supporting colleagues with the adjustments they need to thrive. Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Join a workplace that values inclusion, wellbeing and equal opportunity.

Ethical Use of AI in Applications

We welcome innovation and do not automatically exclude candidates who use AI tools during the application process. However, we assess each application to ensure the candidate genuinely understands the role and its requirements.

AI may be used ethically and responsibly, provided it supports, rather than compromises our core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness. During assessments and interviews, candidates must present their own skills and experience without assistance from others, external resources, or AI, unless explicitly instructed otherwise.