Assistant Planning Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.100 - WEL10405

Assistant Planning Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.100 - WEL10405

Temporary 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
West Lothian Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in managing planning applications and provide support to the Development Management team.
  • Company: West Lothian Civic Centre, committed to diversity and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in your community while gaining valuable experience in planning.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Town Planning or relevant field, strong communication, and IT skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

36 hours per week, 52.14 weeks per year, Fixed Term for one year from start date (Maternity Cover).

We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Planning Services are seeking to employ an Assistant Planning Officer in Development Management for a maximum 1-year fixed term to be based at Civic Centre, Livingston with hybrid working arrangements.

The purpose of the Assistant Planning Officer is to provide a development management service in respect of mainly householder applications and a number of other application types in West Lothian by making recommendations on these applications, using good judgement, knowledge of planning legislation, council policies and guidance. Responsibilities include:

  • Negotiating improvements to proposals for house extensions and other proposals where possible.
  • Responding to queries from householders in West Lothian about the requirement for planning permission.
  • Supporting the Development Management Manager in the checking, validation, registering, plotting of planning and related applications.
  • Preparing the necessary support material to assist with determination of these applications.

Essential requirements for the post are:

  • A degree in Town Planning or other relevant subject appropriate to the service.
  • A knowledge of industry standard PC, graphics, mapping and word processing applications.
  • Valid full driving license.
  • Good communication and report writing skills.
  • Negotiating skills.
  • Knowledge of core planning legislation.
  • Ability to manage workload to ensure delivery on priority projects.
  • Knowledge of current and proposed best practice relevant to the responsibilities of the post.
  • Good information technology skills.

Assistant Planning Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.100 - WEL10405 employer: West Lothian Council

West Lothian Council is an excellent employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive work environment at the Civic Centre in Livingston. With flexible hybrid working arrangements, employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development and opportunities to engage with the local community. The council fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in public service.

West Lothian Council

Contact Details:

West Lothian Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Planning Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.100 - WEL10405

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, especially those already working at West Lothian Civic Centre. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of planning legislation and council policies. We want you to show off your skills and how you can contribute to the team!

Tip Number 3

Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s explaining complex planning concepts or negotiating improvements, being clear and confident will set you apart from the crowd.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the team at West Lothian Civic Centre.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planning Officer, West Lothian Civic Centre, 504.100 - WEL10405

Knowledge of Planning Legislation
Report Writing Skills
Negotiating Skills
Workload Management
Knowledge of Best Practices in Planning
Information Technology Skills
Degree in Town Planning or Relevant Subject

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Planning Officer role. Highlight your degree in Town Planning and any relevant experience you have in development management. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Show Off Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your communication and report writing skills in your application. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to negotiate and manage workloads effectively. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team!

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Make sure to address all the essential requirements listed in the job description so we know you’re a great fit!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being considered. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, we love seeing applications come in through our own platform!

How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council

Know Your Planning Legislation

Brush up on your knowledge of planning legislation and council policies. Be prepared to discuss how these apply to householder applications, as this will show your understanding of the role and its responsibilities.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since good communication is key in this role, think of examples where you've effectively communicated complex information. Practice explaining planning concepts clearly, as you might need to demonstrate this during the interview.

Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills

Prepare to discuss situations where you've successfully negotiated improvements or solutions. This could be in a work setting or even in personal projects. Highlighting these experiences will show your capability to handle proposals effectively.

Familiarise Yourself with Hybrid Working

As the position offers hybrid working arrangements, be ready to talk about how you manage your workload in both remote and office settings. Share strategies that help you stay organised and productive, which will resonate well with the interviewers.