You will assist the Principal Planning Officer in ensuring the effective delivery of the statutory processes. You will play an important role in ensuring the service effectively engages with its customers, including the general public, communities, applicants, stakeholders and the development industry in the planning service; and this may include attending public meetings, community consultation events and Town and Parish meetings as appropriate. You will deal with a case load of major and contentious planning applications and related matters and will be expected to attend Council meetings, including Planning Committee meetings to assist service management in the presentation of reports in relation to planning matters., Durham County Council currently operates a hybrid working policy where a model of 2 days in the workplace and 3 days at home/remote will apply. This model is pro-rated for part time roles and arrangements are at managers discretion, alternatively you can work all of your contracted hours within the workplace if you prefer. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process.
We are looking for someone with an ability to show determination to achieve results and to see complex projects through to completion who also understands corporate implications of the decision making process., You should be educated to Degree level or equivalent in a relevant town planning qualification (G11) and have a Professional qualification (RTPI) (G12). You will have significant recent experience of development management services and of dealing with planning appeals. To progress to a Grade 12, you should have an ability to represent the Council at major public inquiries and/or hearings and be able to mentor and advise junior members of staff in a structured manner
BENEFITS AND REWARDS We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
* Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
* Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
* Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
* Hybrid working (home and office working).
* Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
* Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
* Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
* Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
* Discounted DCC gym membership.
* Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
* Trade Union membership.
* A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: