Job Description
The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities and our environment. Everyone starting in a new role will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support needed. As part of your comprehensive induction, you will be provided with all the equipment required for your role.
Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate. This may attract an additional payment and full training will be available. Please see the candidate pack for information on how you will support with this.
We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Environment Agency’s Yorkshire Area Sustainable Places Team. In this role, you will play a key part in overseeing the Environment Agency’s involvement in the planning process across the area. You will manage planning consultations from Local Authorities and developers, ensuring our expertise is utilised to safeguard people, property, and the environment.
Responsibilities
* Oversee planning consultations from Local Authorities and developers, ensuring prompt and effective responses.
* Collaborate with colleagues in flood risk, contaminated land, water quality, biodiversity, and Environment Management to provide comprehensive and expert advice.
* Advocate for climate change considerations in planning, influencing local policy, development proposals, and providing feedback on planning applications.
* Provide guidance on various development types, including residential, commercial, and minerals and waste projects.
* Respond to pre‑planning inquiries, planning application consultations, and local authority development plans.
* Develop and refine your project management, financial, and innovation skills while contributing to the team’s goals.
The team is dynamic, inclusive and part of Environment, Planning & Engagement (EPE) covering the Yorkshire Area. We support each other through collaboration, hard work and ongoing learning. We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join us as a Planning Advisor, contributing to our mission of creating positive environmental impact while fostering professional growth.
Experience and Skills Required
We provide expert statutory and discretionary advice to planners, developers and communities; evidence on the capacity and value of the environment to aid decision‑making.
* Passion for People & the Environment – a genuine interest in making a positive impact on communities and the environment.
* Interest in Planning Systems – knowledge about planning, economics and development.
* Teamwork & Collaboration – strong ability to work well with others and share ideas.
* Influencing & Negotiation – confidence in influencing and negotiating with various stakeholders.
* 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 deadlines.
* Adaptability & Prioritisation – ability to adapt and prioritise effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Contact and Additional Information
We do not accept CVs; therefore, your answers to the competencies will be used for selection. You may find it helpful to use the STAR approach to answering the questions. Please see the attached candidate pack for the competency dictionary and further information.
This role provides flexibility in office location across Yorkshire. The team is mainly based at the Lateral and Foss offices. Regular travel to either Leeds or York will be expected on a weekly basis, though this may vary depending on team and business requirements.
Interviews are expected to be scheduled for week commencing 24th November 2025. The interview will be via MS Teams.
Please contact Farzana.Anjum@environment-agency.gov.uk if you require further information about this role.
Competences
1. Managing the Agency’s Interaction in the Land Use Planning Process
Capability definition: Effectively co‑ordinates the Environment Agency’s response to planning consultations to protect & enhance the environment.
Question: Provide an example of when you had to consider UK town and country planning policy to influence or support sustainable growth in a community or development project.
2. Focuses on Customers and Partners
Capability definition: Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.
Question: Describe a situation where you proactively took steps to establish trust and maintain an effective, ongoing relationship with a key customer or partner. What actions did you take, and what was the outcome?
3. Communicates Effectively
Capability definition: Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
Question: Describe a time in a work environment when a breakdown in communication led to a misunderstanding or challenge. What was the impact, and how did you address and resolve it?
4. Achieves Results
Capability definition: 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 when you exceeded expectations in your role. What did you do to go above and beyond?
Legal and Equality Statements
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.
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 Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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