Number of jobs available: 2
Region: South East
City/Town: Wallingford
Building/Site: Red Kite House
Grade: Staff Grade 3
Post Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Role Type: Planning
Salary Minimum: £25,042
Job description
Are you passionate about making a difference to people and the environment, working with others to deliver our contributions to EA2025? The planning system is one of the key tools we have to help deliver sustainable growth and infrastructure in our area, and we are looking for individuals to come and join our Thames Area Sustainable Places (SP) team.
Your work will involve:
• Screening incoming planning applications against a set of criteria
• Managing a development management and strategic planning caseload. This will include working on a range of development proposals and the opportunity to lead on Local Plan responses. Throughout all your work you will be supported and offered technical guidance from others in the team.
• Using your effective written and spoken communication skills to influence customers while building strong partnerships
• Identifying and embracing new ways of working to improve our efficiency and customer service standards
The team
The Thames Sustainable Places team are part of the Environment, Planning and Engagement department. We lead on the Environment Agency’s input into development, growth and planning policy matters. We seek to secure the best possible environmental outcomes by working closely with internal colleagues, 26 councils, numerous developers and strategic partners. Thames area has a diverse range of environmental issue and development pressures creating exciting opportunities for an interesting and diverse workload.
Experience/skills required
You will be able to demonstrate some or all of the following:
• communication and networking skills;
• An ability to work flexibly responding to competing demands in a challenging but rewarding workload environment;
• a positive caring attitude with an ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work culture;
• Knowledge of environmental issues relevant to the Environment Agency and/or the Environment Agency’s planning remit.
Contact and additional information
These roles will be based in our Thames Area. Some travel will be required to other offices and locations.
We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Everyone starting in a new role with us will be welcomed into the team and given all the support needed to succeed. We also support flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share. Our hybrid working model combines home and office working, however you will be expected to attend the office for certain meetings.
For further details please contact:
• Katie Newton (Mon-Weds) – katie.newton@environment-agency.gov.uk
• Elissa Kelly (Weds – Fri) – Elissa.Kelly@environment-agency.gov.uk
Job description attachment 1
Job Profile – 25734.pdf – 175KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 25734.docx – 1867KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 25734.docx.pdf – 513KB
Closing Date: 03/03/2023, 23:55 hours
Level of security checks required: Basic Check
Competence 1: Focuses on Customers and Partners
Description
Using an example(s), please describe an occasion when you have demonstrated good customer service. You should also highlight any benefits or issues you may have experienced.
Competence 2: Manages Self
Description
In the role you’ll need to be able to manage your own time in an environment where workload can fluctuate daily. Describe a time when you have effectively organised yourself and taken personal responsibility for your own role in a fast paced environment.
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Description
Please give an example(s) of when you have used your skills to communicate effectively with a customer or colleague.
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
