About the Planning Team:
The Planning Team at Dorset Council helps manage land and buildings to protect important areas, including internationally protected heathlands, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the famous Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. They also plan for the future, making sure there’s room for homes, jobs, and businesses.
What You’ll Learn:
As an Assistant Planning Support Officer, you’ll get to see how planning helps protect special places while supporting new housing and local businesses. You’ll work with planning officers and may meet professionals like landscape architects, urban designers, conservation officers, and ecologists. You’ll learn about creating Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans, which help shape future growth and development in Dorset.
Key Responsibilities:
During your placement, you might help with:
* Supporting the creation and monitoring of Local and Neighbourhood Plans, which includes research and gathering information.
* Keeping track of financial contributions from developers to fund local projects like parks, roads, and schools.
* Going on site visits and helping with research to evaluate different locations.
* Reviewing and commenting on planning applications for new buildings, conservation areas, and listed buildings.
* Helping with the processing and administration of applications.
* Assisting visitors, answering phone calls, and responding to emails.
* Working with legal and other sources to collect important information.
* Helping with small applications and providing administrative support for tree, heritage, and landscape matters.
* Using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to make and work with maps.
* Working with Environmental Assessment Officers to gather environmental information and advice.
About You:
To succeed in this role, you should be:
* Adaptable and willing to take on different tasks.
* Someone who enjoys working with a team of people from different ages and backgrounds.
* Organised and able to manage your tasks effectively.
* Eager to learn new skills and willing to follow guidance from staff.
This placement is ideal if you’re interested in how towns and countryside are planned and developed. You’ll gain skills in research, customer service, and teamwork that are valuable for many careers!
Locations: Dorchester, Wareham, Wimborne (depending on nature of work, possibly across more than one location)
Hours: Mon - Fri: 09:00 - 15:30 with a minimum of 30 minutes for lunch (lunchtimes may vary)
Meals: If in the office, bring a packed lunch, or you are welcome to walk into town to buy lunch or use the on-site cafe. Times of breaks to be discussed.
Travel: Transport to and from placement to be arranged by learner.
Clothing: Clean, smart-casual clothing. We will provide PPE needed. Be prepared for site visits, they will be arranged in advance. During a site visit suitable outdoor clothing to be worn including waterproof footwear.
Who can apply?
We welcome everyone, including students, unemployed individuals, and those looking to change careers. We aim to support the local community by offering valuable work experience opportunities.
What will be expected of you:
During your placement, you will work with experienced staff on real projects and tasks. We expect you to:
* Follow all council rules and health and safety guidelines.
* Take responsibility for your learning and ask for help when needed.
* Follow instructions from your placement manager.
* Attend work at the agreed times during your placement.
* Stay motivated and make the most of this opportunity to show what you can do.
What you will gain from a work experience placement:
A work experience placement at Dorset Council can help you in the following ways:
* Confidence: Get used to the workplace and build your confidence.
* New skills: Learn new skills or improve the ones you already have.
* Networking: Meet new people and make professional connections.
* CV boost: Show teamwork and customer service skills on your CV.
* References: Gain valuable references for future job applications.
* Share skills: Use your unique skills to help our team.
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