At a Glance
- Tasks: Help shape the future of your community through planning and policy development.
- Company: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to sustainability and community growth.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, professional development, and contribute to meaningful projects.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your planning skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field; passion for planning and sustainability is key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You will be expected to:
- Contribute to the preparation of the Borough’s Local Plan in terms of policy formulation.
- Collect, maintain and analyse information relating to shopping, economy and employment, green space, housing, population, climate change and land availability.
- Prepare information to support the Local Plan, and where relevant, regional and sub-regional planning strategies and documents.
- Ensure that issues of sustainability and climate change are addressed as part of policy development.
- Contribute to cross-boundary planning matters through the collection of information and provision of officer support to Council Members.
Essential requirements for the role:
- Educated to degree level in a subject that would enable progression to post-graduate qualification in spatial planning and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute.
- Experience in planning policy and other aspects of spatial planning would be preferable but not essential.
- Computer literate.
- An understanding of the National Planning Policy Framework would be desirable.
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Planning Officer in Oldbury employer: WMJobs
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises sustainability and community engagement. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities, a supportive environment for growth in spatial planning, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local policies that shape the future of the borough. Located in a vibrant area, the council fosters a strong sense of purpose and belonging among its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Planning Officer in Oldbury
✨Get Involved with Local Councils
Dive into your local community by attending council meetings or volunteering for community projects. Not only does this show your commitment to public service, but you’ll also make connections with people in the public sector that can open doors for internships or entry-level positions.
✨Utilise University Career Services
Make the most of your university's career services, especially if they have partnerships with government agencies. They often organise job fairs or workshops specifically tailored to public sector roles, where you can meet representatives from organisations like WMJobs and learn about available positions.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
LinkedIn is a goldmine for public sector jobs, so make sure you’re connecting with people in government roles, especially those at organisations like WMJobs. Engage with their content, share posts about public issues, and join relevant groups to boost your visibility within the sector.
✨Stay Updated on Internships
Public sector internships often have specific application windows. Keep an eye on the websites of local government bodies and agencies that interest you. Applying through our job board can give you a head start since we often list opportunities that might not be as visible elsewhere.
We think you need these skills to ace Planning Officer in Oldbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for Public Service:For a role in the government-public-sector, we really want to see your enthusiasm for public service shining through. In your cover letter, talk about what drives you to want to make a difference in society, and mention any relevant volunteer work or projects you've been involved in.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:Analytical and critical thinking skills are crucial in the government-public sector. Make sure to include coursework or any practical experiences that demonstrate your ability to analyse policies or data. If you've tackled real-world issues during your studies, definitely mention those!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:When you're crafting your CV, make sure it’s tailored to the specific position you’re applying for, such as Planning Officer at WMJobs. List relevant modules and any projects that can prove your knowledge of public policy or governance to help you stand out from the crowd.
Use Your Application to Reflect Learning Potential:Since this is for a bachelor-level position, we understand you might not have tonnes of experience yet. So, use your application to reflect your eagerness to learn. Highlight your academic achievements and any skills that show you're ready to hit the ground running in your role at WMJobs!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Policies
Since you’re aiming for a role in the government public sector, make sure you're up-to-date with relevant policies and initiatives. Brush up on current affairs and understand how the government operates at various levels – it'll show you're genuinely interested in the field.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview, where you may need to demonstrate your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think of examples from your studies or any volunteer work that show how you've negotiated or resolved conflicts in a public service context.
✨Emphasise Your Motivation for Public Service
As you're applying for a bachelor-level role, interviewers will be looking for your passion for serving the community. Be ready to articulate why you’re interested in the public sector and how you can contribute to WMJobs’s goals as an intern.
✨Showcase Relevant Projects and Experiences
If you’ve worked on any relevant projects during your studies or participated in internships, don’t hesitate to bring those up. Use your portfolio to illustrate your skills and experiences that align with the values of WMJobs – it’s an excellent opportunity to show what you can bring to the table!
