Wind Planner / Renewable Energy Planning Consultant – Onshore Wind, Solar PV, Hydropower
Do you have planning expertise and are you looking to move into the renewable energy sector, particularly onshore wind planning? Renewables First is looking for a new planner with a good understanding of the UK planning system and the skills to put together high-quality planning applications and manage them through the process. You would work with a team of engineers and take care of (primarily) onshore wind planning applications, and some commercial-scale solar PV and hydropower planning too. This advert if for a full-time role, but we would consider part-time for the ‘right’ applicant. Our wind work is generally single or small numbers of large wind turbines. Renewables First is one of the UK’s leading renewable energy consultancy and project delivery businesses, specialising in the commercial application of onshore wind, solar PV, hydropower and heat pumps – offering their customers whole project capability from feasibility stage, consenting, design, installation and ongoing operational support.
Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, the company is looking to build its team in response to a growing market since the new government refocused on renewable energy and net-zero. Priding itself on offering high-quality renewable energy solutions (50 kW to 5+ MW) to reduce or eliminate clients CO2 emissions. Their existing team of 9 engineers and technical specialists work in a collaborative and constructive way to support the team’s development and ensure the highest standards of service for their clients. The company operates a no blame culture, seeing mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow. They hold strong values, promising never to greenwash and never to mislead or miss-sell. With significant company growth forecast in the medium term will come opportunities for personal growth. To maximise team collaboration and development the roles are office based.
Our staff are intelligent, pleasant people and we are looking for recruit a planner who will fit in, contribute positively to the group effort and get on-board with our vision to create a net-zero future. The successful applicant would see the projects they have worked on built and operating, because we also build what we design and consent.
About you and the role:
* RTPI accredited degree, or demonstrable experience up to this level.
* Ideally experienced, but good graduates will also be considered.
* Familiar with planning laws, policy, guidance, Local Plans etc.
* Familiar with pre-applications, Screening and Scoping Opinions.
* Able to write Planning Statements, Design and Access Statements etc.
* Specify and procure specialists (i.e. LVIA, Heritage, ecology, noise surveys, transport surveys etc.).
* Complete consultations with stakeholders.
* Biodiversity Net Gain analysis and negotiations.
* Manage planning applications throughout the whole process.
* Rebuttal of objections.
* Liaising with Planning Officer and other stakeholders.
* Discharging planning conditions.
Skills needed:
* Strong IT skills.
* A great communicator, both written and verbal.
* Attention to detail and able to plan complex works.
* Determination and attention to detail, able to conclude the planning process.
* Able to follow policies and procedures.
* An appreciation of budgets, timescales and commercial aspects.
* Pro-active and able to solve problems.
Benefits:
* Competitive salary
* 28 days paid holiday
* Profit share and share option scheme
* Company pension
* 37.5 hour week
* Located in the Stroud, Cotswolds (note office-based, not working from home)