Protect it. Shape it. Plan for Dorset's future.
Dorset has a rich and diverse geology, nationally significant landscapes and complex environmental designations. As the mineral and waste planning authority, Dorset Council plays a critical role in balancing economic need with environmental protection.
We are looking for a Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer to join our Minerals and Waste Team within Spatial Planning. This is a career-graded post spanning Grades 9-11, with progression dependent on qualifications, experience and service need.
You will be part of a specialist team exercising the Council's statutory functions as the minerals and waste planning authority, working across both development management and planning policy.
Employee benefits include membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave and flexible working.
What You Can Expect To Be Doing
These are generic posts and may involve both development management and policy work depending on workload and priorities.
You Will
provide pre-application advice and interpret relevant planning policy
assess the validity of planning applications and identify EIA or information requirements
negotiate amendments to make proposals acceptable in policy terms
prepare clear, comprehensive reports with recommendations, including conditions and planning obligations
advise councillors, consultees, operators and members of the public on minerals and waste planning matters
contribute to monitoring, enforcement and statutory reviews, including Review of Old Mineral Permissions and Habitats Regulations assessments
attend liaison committees and external meetings, representing the Council
contribute to the preparation, monitoring and examination of minerals and waste planning policy
At higher grades you will take on more complex casework, lead internal project teams, supervise consultants, represent the Council independently at external meetings and, at Senior Planning Officer level, give professional evidence at public examinations or inquiries.
The role includes a significant travel requirement for site visits and meetings.
About You
Applicants at all levels are expected to hold a degree-level qualification, preferably a postgraduate planning qualification providing the route to Chartered Membership of the RTPI.
For Grade 9, you should ideally have some post-qualification experience in a planning or closely related role.
For Grade 10, full planning qualification is normally expected, preferably with Chartered Membership of the RTPI or eligibility to apply, alongside relevant post-qualification experience.
For Grade 11, Chartered Membership and significant planning experience, including post-chartership experience, are normally essential.
Across All Levels, You Will
manage a significant workload and meet challenging deadlines
demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills
present confidently to committees, inquiries and public forums
understand democratic processes and public consultation
work effectively within a team and advise others where required
be adaptable and able to balance competing demands
share our values of Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness and Curiosity
If you are motivated by complex planning challenges, public interest decision-making and shaping long-term policy in a unique county, this is an opportunity to develop your career within a specialist and supportive team.