Team Member, NEA Sustainable Places - 33847 Team Member, NEA Sustainable Places - 33847 Number of jobs available 1 Region North East City/Town Newcastle Building/Site DEFRA GRP EA TYNESIDE HOUSE, NE4 7AR Grade Staff Grade 3 Post Type Permanent Role Type Operational Delivery Working Pattern Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours Salary Minimum £29,751 Closing Date: 01/06/2026, 23:55 hours Job description attachment 1 Candidate pack Security checks level Basic Check Job description The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it. We provide statutory and discretionary planning advice to planners, developers, and communities. To succeed in this role, you'll demonstrate the following skills and qualities: Passion for People & the Environment - A genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment. Willingness to gain knowledge of the Town & Country and Marine Planning Systems - Including development management and planning policy. Teamwork & Collaboration - Strong ability to work well with others and share ideas. IT Proficiency - Good IT skills for project management and communication. Engagement & Communication - Ability to effectively engage and communicate with diverse audiences. Problem-Solving & Results-Oriented - Proactive in addressing challenges and achieving results. People & Project Management - Strong skills in managing people and projects to meet short deadlines. Adaptability & Prioritisation - Ability to adapt and prioritise in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join North East AreaSustainable Places Team. As a planning assistant, you 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 against a set of criteria; Effective written and spoken communication skills to influence customers while building strong partnerships Providing a positive planning service to customers Building effective relationships with internal consultees. Extra responsibilities when necessary to support team activity The team The North East Area Sustainable Places Team is a friendly, collaborative group working across departments to shape Local plans and planning applications. We partner internally and externally - with councils, developers, water companies, and Defra - to provide expert environmental advice. By evaluating data and assessments, we influence planning outcomes and internal strategies. This multi-functional role offers a dynamic career path within the Environment Agency, allowing you to make a real impact while growing professionally. Experience/skills required You will be able to demonstrate the following: Excellent organisational skills - able to manage your own workload and meet deadlines; Excellent communication and networking skills and the ability to engage and enthuse others; A positive, caring attitude with an ability to contribute to a diverse and inclusive work culture; 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; An ability to work flexibly responding to competing demands in a challenging but rewarding workload environment. Desirable: Knowledge of environmental issues relevant to the Environment Agency and/or the Environment Agency's planning remit. You'll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided Contact and additional information You'll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We'll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given. You'll work in a hybrid way and your base location will be a North East Area Office. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required. Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact Angela.Hudson@environment-agency.gov.uk Applications are anonymously assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we'll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. Competence 1 Communicates Effectively Description Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage QUESTION: Tell us about a time where you have had to use your communication skills effectively to convey information and ideas clearly to others Competence 2 Achieves Results Description Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results QUESTION: Describe a time a time when you have demonstrated your ability to prioritise and manage high workloads Competence 3 Uses Initiative Description Takes action before and/or beyond what is required, owning the outcome. QUESTION: Describe a situation where you took extra steps to ensure a task was completed to a high standard? If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team. We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit for more information. 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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.