Assistant Planning Officer £24,836- £26,717 per annum (plus pay award) Cirencester/agile working Permanent contract Are you looking to start or grow your career in planning? We have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Planning Officer to join our friendly and dynamic Development Management team within Planning Services. This role is ideal for someone with a keen analytical mind, excellent communication skills, and a passion for shaping the local environment. Youll be working on a variety of applications from housing developments to small-scale agricultural and commercial schemes in an area rich with heritage, national landscapes, and historic sites. Youll be supported and mentored by a Senior Planning Officer, with opportunities to learn through informal shadowing, site visits, and involvement in larger projects as your confidence grows. Youll join an immediate team of five within a wider planning services team of around 40 professionals, including development management, natural and built environment, and policy specialists. This role offers a fantastic introduction to planning for a graduate or anyone looking to build a career in this field. Over time, youll develop your technical expertise, build strong relationships with residents, council members, and developers, and gain exposure to significant local projects such as The Steadings housing development in Cirencester. Were looking for someone with strong organisational skills, who can manage a busy caseload and work independently while contributing to team goals. Youll have a head for analysis, a talent for clear written and verbal communication, and a proactive approach to delivering excellent service. In return, well provide a supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and make a genuine impact on the local area. You will need A minimum qualification equivalent to NVQ level 3 or A level, and/or three years relevant experience Experience of working flexibly as part of a team and collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders Deliver commitments and take ownership of own caseload, reshaping of plans to deliver required outcomes Ability to work independently under pressure and within tight deadlines Excellent written and verbal communication skills Competent in using a range of technology and software packages, including Microsoft and Microsoft Teams Special Conditions Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes Advert Closing Date: 11th November 2025 Interview date: 20th and 21st November 2025 What can we do for you Agile working allowing a mix of home and office working. Flexible working arrangements (depending on the role). 27 days paid annual leave (pro rata if you are working part time) plus bank holidays, which increases to 29 days after five years of service. In addition, you will have an extra two volunteering days a year for you to support a charity of your choice. Renewed again for another year there is a Health cash plan giving you cash back on health, dental and eye care. Generous contributory local government pension scheme. Employee Assistance Programme 24/7, providing positive, preventative and supportive advice and counselling to deal with everyday events and issues. Cycle to work scheme. Salary sacrifice car lease scheme with significant tax and NI savings to be made on electric cars. Generous sickness cover above statutory entitlements. Terms and conditions apply. These are just a handful of the benefits that you can enjoy when you join us! About The Organisation We are rightly proud of the businesses, communities and residents who live in this beautiful part of the world, putting them first and at the heart of everything we do. Were busy recreating a council set up for success, which can deliver for the needs of our communities in a fast-changing environment. That means we need to be fleet of foot and look for innovative and creative ways to deliver against our Corporate Plan priorities. That plan focuses on a range of important priorities including delivering good services for residents, responding to the climate emergency, supporting strong local communities, and evolving the districts vibrant economy. Accredited of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies - Please state this within your covering statement or in a separate email. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people and children. Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies Safer recruitment practices are applied to all job vacancies. Successful candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire; provide references; proof of identity; nationality and immigration status; three years employment or education history (if applicable) and, in some cases, verification of criminal record.