Grade 4 to Grade 6, £27,562 - £35,523 (including local weighting). Full time, 37 hours per week (part-time working and job share considered). Permanent. Blended working available. Based in Hertford. Closing date 8 August 2024.

We are currently seeking an Assistant Planning Policy Officer to play a key role in our Planning Policy Team.

This role is more than a job; it's an opportunity to leave your mark on the environment of East Herts. With a fresh era of political leadership and an imminent review of our District Plan, you'll have a chance to shape our future right from the start.

East Herts is more than just a place of work; it's a thriving and picturesque district, rich in history and natural beauty, featuring over 3,000 listed buildings. We're committed to continuous improvement, striving for more affordable housing, a vibrant local economy, a greener, sustainable environment, and enhanced digital capabilities.

The Role:
This is the ideal opportunity for an enthusiastic person to kick-start a career in planning and learn, develop and progress in a rewarding public sector environment. We’ll make sure you receive all the training, support and guidance you need to make a success of your role and, for those with drive and potential, there will be fantastic chances to progress and build your career.

As an Assistant Planning Policy Officer, you will support and assist in the delivery of our planning service. This is a career graded post starting at Grade 4 and progressing to Grade 6 dependant on your qualifications and ability to grow and develop.
Following your training, you will assist on a range of planning policy projects and workstreams, including the collection, analysis and monitoring of data in respect of development taking place in the district.

You will support planning service customers, handling phone calls and emails, and providing advice on planning issues, policies and procedures. You will work as part of the Planning Policy Team to assist with the preparation and implementation of the District Plan, its associated evidence base, and other related planning documents. As you develop, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, such as work on the Council’s Authority Monitoring Report, Neighbourhood Planning and Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

About you:

To be considered as an Assistant Planning Officer, you will need:

• At a minimum, two A-Levels or equivalent and GCSEs in English and Maths, ideally with a degree in a planning-related discipline (such as geography, environmental sciences);
• A keen interest in town planning with a basic understanding of town planning legislation and the plan-making process;
• A good standard of IT Literacy;
• An understanding of emerging digital requirements to the planning system;
• The ability to grasp information quickly;
• Strong communication skills;
• Valid, full driving license.