Planning Officer - Sustainable Places x2

Planning Officer – Sustainable Places

Warrington, Wallingford
Permanent, Full-Time
Staff Grade 3

About the role:

Do you want to work for an organisation that truly values diversity and inclusion? Then the Environment Agency could be the place for you. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer, promoting equality of opportunity, and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued. We welcome flexible working arrangements across all our vacancies.

Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference, by joining a team that is passionate about tackling the climate and nature emergencies through our strategic goals for:

• Green growth and a sustainable future.
• Healthy air, land and water.
• A nation resilient to climate change.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join the Sustainable Places Team. As a Planning Officer, you will play a vital role in managing the Environment Agency’s interaction with the Town & Country Planning process, supporting the team to manage planning consultations from Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) and developers across the Area.

Your work will involve:

• Coordinating and screening planning applications and enquiries received from LPAs and developers and logging this caseload onto our dedicated system.
• Responding to pre-development enquiries, low risk consultations, and administering our chargeable advice service.
• Providing a positive planning service to our customers.
• Building effective relationships with our internal consultees.

Experience and Skills

Essential:

• Passion for people and the environment – a genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
• Excellent organisational skills – able to manage your own workload and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage and enthuse others.
• Teamwork and collaboration – strong ability to work well with others and share ideas.
• Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook applications.
• Self-motivation and ability to work independently.
• Adaptability and prioritisation – ability to adapt and prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines.

Desirable:

• Screening and logging experience using specific criteria.
• Experience using DPS3.
• Understanding of the planning system.

Team Information:

The Sustainable Places Team liaise with our specialist teams, providing high quality advice to Local Planning Authorities and developers, influencing new developments to ensure protection of the environment, promote sustainability, and minimise risk from flooding.
The team is knowledgeable and supportive. Our work moves fast. We deliver the EA's role as a statutory consultee in the Town Planning system. To do this, the team works closely with internal technical experts across the Environment Agency.

What We Offer You:

• A salary up to £28,607.
• Generous Pension: Secure your future with our excellent pension scheme.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, with options for flexible working.
• Career Growth & Comprehensive Training: Benefit from structured development, mentorship, and continuous learning.
• Impactful Work: Directly contribute to protecting and enhancing the environment, making a real difference.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a supportive team that values diversity and collaboration.
• Extra Perks: Paid environmental outcomes days, and comprehensive leave schemes (maternity, paternity, adoption).
• Options for flexible and / or part-time working may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why Choose the Environment Agency?

Join the UK's largest environmental organisation and be part of a team that tackles national challenges head-on. We are committed to achieving tangible results, from implementing industry regulations to restoring polluted water bodies. We invest in our people, providing tailored training, equipment, and a collaborative community where your contributions truly matter.

As an organisation we strive to reflect on the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

If this interests you, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply and start your application today!

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency.

Please note, artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance on our careers site for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Please note that providing false or misleading information at any stage of the application or recruitment process may result in withdrawal of your application, or where applicable, disciplinary action in line with internal processes

We will maintain a reserve list for 6 months and may offer similar roles at other locations linked to this position.

Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure you don’t miss our message.

Closing Date: Monday 2nd March 2026.
Interview Dates: Week Commencing 16th March 2026.