Planning Specialist Sustainable Places
£43,198 + £4,406 p.a. Inner London Weighting Allowance *where applicable
York, Rotherham, Leeds, Beverley, Warrington, Wallingford, London SW1 (Marsham Street)
Permanent, Full-Time
Staff Grade 5
About the Role
Are you passionate about contributing to a more sustainable environment? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact.
Were seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to work as part of a team that engages with and influences local planning authorities, planning decision makers and developers to secure the best possible environmental outcomes.
As a Planning Specialist, you will be an expert advisor on planning issues, taking and creating opportunities to achieve sustainable economic prosperity that protects and enhances our environment. In this key role, youll guide how growth and regeneration happen - ensuring developments safeguard communities, promote biodiversity, and protect our environment.
Your work will involve:
Providing technical leadership, expertise and guidance, primarily to Sustainable Places, but also other internal consultees involved in the planning process, ensuring the best environmental outcomes are achieved. on development proposals and planning appeals.
Working with a high degree of collaboration, using effective written and spoken communication skills to influence customers, build strong relationships and networks internally and externally.
Leading on the teams most high-profile work areas.
Training and coaching others to equip them with the knowledge and skills to resolve local issues, ensuring decisions are made on sound technical grounds and are in line with local and national guidance.
Supporting the Team Leader in leading and managing the team and issues, taking ownership of improvement actions.
The Environment Agency reflects the communities it serves. We dont just talk about inclusion - we live it. Every new team member is welcomed and given full support, induction, and the equipment they need to thrive.
Incident response is central to our mission. Everyone who joins us undertakes training and is expected to support incident response, which could attract additional payments. Full training and flexible working arrangements are provided.
Experience and Skills
Essential:
You will have a degree in Town and Country Planning or in a relevant discipline (for example, but not limited to: Geography, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geoscience, Ecology, Biology).
You will have significant relevant experience in planning related role for example but not limited to working with the Environment Agency as a Planning Advisor or Planning Specialist or in a consultee team, or working for a developer, local planning authority, or other statutory consultee, for example: NE, MMO, Heritage England, Highways England.
Ability to deal with and advise on development issues and / or on complex environmental problems.
Working with and influencing organisations and individuals to deliver environmental benefits.
Problem solving with the ability to work on complex issues and opportunities.
Confidence in communicating strategic and technical issues to a range of audiences.
Ability to provide pre-application and strategic advice, including the associated recovery of costs for this work.
Team-working skills and experience in working flexibly responding to changing demands in a high workload, high pressure environment.
Desirable:
Experience managing client-based projects and budgets.
Reviewing and improving processes and procedures.
Coaching and mentoring experience.
Membership or demonstrable progress towards membership of a relevant professional body.
Team Information
You will be part of the Environment Planning and Engagement team. The team brings together account managers, project managers and subject matter experts covering water, green infrastructure and biodiversity, planning and sustainable development, resource and waste management, and health,transportand air quality. We manage relationships with the Greater London Authority, Transport forLondonand the Port of London Authority. You will work in the Environment Planning Team, providing specialist technical advice and project support.
The London team is based in our central London office (2 Marsham Street). We offer some hybrid working, but face to face office and meeting attendance is required and some travel in and around London will be necessary. This role is eligible for the Inner London Weighting Allowance.
Please note if successful due to locationof the London role additionalCounter Terrorism checks will apply prior to agreeing any start date.
What We Offer You:
A salary up to £43,198+ £4,406 p.a. Inner London Weighting where applicable
Generous Pension: Secure your future with our excellent pension scheme.
Work-Life Balance: Enjoy 27 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 the communities we serve. To achieve this, we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.
If this sounds like you, wed 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, factuallyaccurateand taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has beenidentified(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 seeourcandidate guidanceon our careers site for more information onappropriateand inappropriate use.
Please note that providing false or misleading information at any stage of the application or recruitment process may result inwithdrawal ofyour application, or where applicable, disciplinary action in line with internal processes.
We willmaintaina reserve list for 6 months and may offer similar roles at other locations linked to this position.
Candidates selected for interview will be notified at least five days in advance. Please check both your inbox and junk mail folders to ensure youdontmiss our message.
Closing Date: Monday 9 th March 2026
Interview Dates: Week Commencing 23 rd March 2026
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