Planning Policy Officer

This is an exciting time to join Walsall as we progress our new Walsall Borough Local Plan that will support the delivery of new housing, employment opportunities and sustainable infrastructure while addressing important planning related issues such as climate change, protecting and enhancing the natural and built environment and improving the health and well-being of our communities.

Walsall is a regional town which benefits from a large number of sites that have been designated for their ecological importance.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join our Environment team which sits within the wider Planning & Building Control Service area to help assist with the plan-making process, as well as in the delivery of our ecology service. This role will be important as we ensure that opportunities for nature conservation, biodiversity and sustainable green infrastructure are embedded into policies and proposals that safeguard and enhance our existing habitats and ecological networks. 

The individual will assist in providing ecological advice on development proposals and the delivery of nature recovery and regeneration projects within the region, the monitoring of Walsall local site schedule and the delivery and monitoring of Biodiversity Net Gain. 

We are particularly interested in candidates that hold qualifications and experience in the ecological profession to assist our existing senior experts in this field. You should be able to demonstrate relevant experience of the planning profession and a good knowledge of planning legislation, including environmental legislation. 

We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff and utilising all the talent and experience available. We recognise the importance of helping our employees balance their work and home life by offering flexible working arrangements that enable them to balance their working life with other priorities. Walsall Council also supports employee learning and career development.

Benefits include:

• Flexible working hours
• Blended working from office/home
• Membership of Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave and flexi leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays

We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

For further information please call David Holloway, Planning Policy Manager on 01922 650874 / Sammy Pritchard Senior Ecology Officer 01922 654318.

Ref: EE08125

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

Information for Applicants

Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them. See our Information for Applicants leaflet for further information.

We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting Agency applications or referrals at this time