Assistant Planning Officer

As an Assistant Planning Officer, you will develop your own caseload and work within one of the small teams that make up our experienced Development Management service. You will be responsible for the processing of planning and other related applications mostly relating to householder developments. This will include site appraisals, research, negotiations, report writing, occasional presentation at planning committee and appeal work., The two councils have a shared Chief Executive and a joint senior management team. Whilst they retain their own political structures and distinct identities, the joint management structure allows us to maximise the opportunity to deliver a wide range of good value services to our customers and communities, and operate and develop shared services, collaborative working and partnership arrangements with each other, with other councils and with key stakeholders.

You will be in regular contact with applicants, agents, members of the public and other users of the service. Great communication skills and an ability to engage with a range of stakeholders is therefore essential along with a commitment to delivering an outstanding service to all our customers. This is an excellent opportunity for an aspiring planner to acquire important skills and experience and build the foundation of a career in planning. About you The successful candidate must have:

• A full UK driving license
• Strong customer service orientation and a desire to deliver exceptional levels of service at all times.
• Team player with an adaptable and flexible approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative to tight deadlines.
• Ability to negotiate successful outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• A degree (or equivalent) qualification in planning or similar related subject and / or experience of working in a planning environment is preferable.
The Councils are keen to support with the development of its employees and therefore will help with training requirements which are needed for the role. This may also include support towards obtaining recognised qualifications relevant to the post. You will be required to undertake site visits so flexibility, a full driving licence and use of a car is essential. You will also need to be able to travel throughout the districts.

Wychavon and Malvern have an ambitious growth strategy and will be building over 20,000 homes and 300 hectares of employment land over the next 15 years. The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review strategy includes the delivery of strategic sites including a new settlement at Worcestershire Parkway for 10,000 homes. Combined with ambitious strategies to regenerate our existing centres such as Evesham and Droitwich this is your chance to help shape the future of some of the fastest growing Districts in the West Midlands.

Our staff are at the heart of what we do and are key to ensuring we deliver Our Council Plan (attached) to make a positive difference to our communities, our economy and our environment. We are always looking to recruit, develop and retain the very best talent we can find. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
• Excellent pension scheme with employer contributions
• Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
• Committed training programme and development opportunities
• Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Pershore office only)
• Discounted Gym and swim membership
• Health and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.
We are an employer that values face to face communication, collaboration and connection, therefore all our roles have an office-based requirement with some agile working as part of the role. Please note: Malvern Hills District Council does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK., Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils are rewarding places to work, with high levels of resident satisfaction and motivated staff who enjoy working for us. Located in south Worcestershire, both districts boast beautiful natural environments, a rich heritage and plenty to do and see. The districts are ranked the top two best rural places to live in the West Midlands and are amongst the top 30 in the country. We pride ourselves on being progressive organisations spending time, energy and investment on what we know matters to our residents and communities - things like supporting our town centres and rural communities, creating jobs, keeping the streets clean, reducing our carbon footprint, helping people feel safe and preventing homelessness. We are an employer that values face to face Communication, Collaboration and Connection, therefore all our roles have an office based requirement with some agile working as part of the role. So, as well as a rewarding career, we offer a range of attractive benefits, such as:
• Excellent pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement with options to purchase additional annual leave
• Committed training programme and development opportunities
• Onsite nursery with 20% staff discount (Based at Pershore office)
• Discounted Gym and swim membership
• Health and Wellbeing support and a Free Employee Assistance scheme including access to counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Discounts with a range of companies including EE and the Kaarp discount scheme.
Working with you Our staff are at the heart of what we do, and as a result we are always looking to recruit and develop the very best talent we can find. That's why, as well as providing a satisfying job, we offer a range of attractive benefits, generous holiday entitlements, a pension scheme, plenty of opportunities for personal development, and discounted gym membership.