Marine Licensing Planner​/Case Officer

Marine Licensing Planner/Case Officer

CPL have partnered with Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) to recruit for a Marine Planner/Licensing Case Officer (SO Grade) to join their team on a temporary contract, with possibility of extension.

Pay Rate – £19.59 per hour

DAERA, Marine and Fisheries Regulation and Enforcement Branch / DAERA, Marine Licensing

Benefits – 37 days holiday per annum

Hours – 37 hours per week

Marine and Fisheries Division (MFD), part of the DAERA Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group, is responsible for the promotion, protection, enhancement and sustainable use of:

• All fish stocks inland and at sea (including aquaculture and fish health) and the marine environment

The Marine Licensing Branch provides a main function for marine licensing, compliance and enforcement under Part 4 of the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act, 2009, the Marine Works (EIA) Regulations 2007 (as amended) and subordinate legislation.

• Take the lead in handling routine and, where necessary, complex marine licence applications. Oversee a caseload from initial submission through to determination, ensuring decisions are delivered within agreed time frames.
• Facilitate early discussions with applicants, agents, and consultees to clarify requirements and expectations. Conduct site visits when necessary to inform planning decisions.
• Draft licence documents using approved templates and guidance, ensuring recommendations and decisions are clear, well‑reasoned, and compliant with relevant legislation and policy.
• Contribute to the assessment and planning of offshore renewable energy proposals and other strategic marine developments as required.
• Assist in developing and implementing the Branch’s Business Improvement Plan. Lead or support projects that enhance processes, improve service delivery, and adapt to industry changes.
• Draft responses to general correspondence, ministerial queries, Freedom of Information (FOI), and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests, acting as a trained decision‑maker within the business area.
• Ensure adherence to departmental policies and standards, including health and safety, performance management, and continuous improvement practices. Foster a culture of learning and professional development within the team.

• Have at least a Diploma in a fully credited Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or Irish Planning Institute (IPI) course or be a Chartered or Corporate Member of the RTPI or IPI.
• Have 2 years of post‑qualification experience gained within the last 5 years in the planning or scientific profession.
• Have access to a form of transport which will enable the post holder to fulfil the responsibilities of the post.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and discretion.
• Excellent organisational and planning abilities to manage competing deadlines.
• Skilled in interpreting technical and regulatory information to make sound, evidence‑based decisions.
• Strong casework experience dealing with complex applications/licences.

If successful you will be required to complete a criminal record check through Access NI. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily exclude you from this process. CPL has a policy on the recruitment of ex‑offenders, for a copy of this policy please email Janki.

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CPL is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. We recognise that a diverse and inclusive workplace will better our relationships and services with our clients, our candidates, our communities, and one another. Be You, Be Kind, Be Proud.