Planning Enforcement Officer

Salary - £30,269 - £44,803 (depending upon experience) plus a Car Allowance of up to £1,239 Fixed term contract: 12 months Our Planning Enforcement team investigates all reports of alleged breaches of planning control which is a critical role within the Planning team and the wider Council. As part of our wider planning department, you'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of planning experts who'll be on hand to help you with any queries you may have in your investigations. You will need to develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, applicants, agents, solicitors and the wider community as part of providing an efficient and responsive customer-focussed service, ensuring the Enforcement service delivers excellent work. You'll be a positive role model for the service and for your colleagues by inspiring trust through honesty and integrity. You'll be able to show initiative in solving problems with creative solutions and be comfortable mentoring and supporting colleagues., The vacant post will be of particular interest to someone currently working in Enforcement and looking for the next step in their career. There is an opportunity to mentor others and take on the more complex cases, supporting the Planning Enforcement Manager. This role will be based at our Council Offices, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG. We currently operate a hybrid working model for the majority of our roles where your working time will be divided between the office (2-3 days) and home working (2-3 days), dependent on service needs. Due to the nature of the job, you will have a current driving licence and use of a car.

As a committed team player, you'll have excellent communication skills to interact with our customers and deliver a high-quality service. Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

• A Levels or equivalent level of education
• Effective negotiation skills
• Good Customer Service skills
• Proven experience of investigative work in a planning environment or similar
For appointment to the higher end of the career grade:
• Degree in Town Planning or relevant associate discipline
• Significant experience of inspections and investigations into breaches of planning control and be able to demonstrate a track record of making appropriate recommendations and decisions on the course of action
• Previous experience of mentoring junior colleagues