Sustainable Places Planning Specialist

Sustainable Places Planning Specialist - 32616

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You will have the opportunity to keep developing your skills and professional knowledge throughout your career.

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, communities, and the environment.

We are looking for a motivated and experienced Town Planner to provide additional technical leadership to our Sustainable Places Team. You will work as part of a team that engages with and influences local planning authorities, planning decision‑makers and developers to secure the best possible outcomes for people and the environment through growth.

• Provide technical planning expertise and guidance to the team and internal colleagues.
• Project‑manage our input into high‑profile developments.
• Influence the preparation and review of Local Plans, including relevant policies, evidence base and infrastructure delivery plans.
• Mentor team members on external planning policies, internal policies and procedures to ensure quality and consistency.
• Work as an integrated part of the team.
• Represent the Environment Agency as an expert‑witness at appeals and inquiries.
• Develop professional relationships with stakeholders and customers, internally and externally, to influence environmental outcomes.
• Keep up to date on legislation, case law and best practice.
• Contribute to the internal Planning Specialist network and Spatial Planning Mentoring Hub.

• You will be qualified to at least degree standard (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline and have experience of working in the Town & Country Planning system.
• Membership or demonstration of progression towards membership of a relevant professional body is desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication and networking skills with the ability to collaborate with others.
• Ability to synthesise information from a wide range of sources, identify and present the key facts.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on competing or complex factors.
• Ability to confidently negotiate and influence others.
• Effective programme management.
• Ability to coach and mentor others.
• An interest to seek new innovative ways of working.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find one that suits your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

Your base location will be at Bodmin or Exeter with flexible hybrid working. There will be travel within the area. Occasional travel and overnights outside the area may be required. Candidates must hold a full driving licence.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for further details. If you have any queries, please contact Emma Whereat, Sustainable Places Team Leader, re or

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held in person at our Bodmin or Exeter offices at the end of January 2026.

Associate

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing

The Environment Agency is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. We are a non‑departmental public body committed to diversity and inclusive practices. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, and have a guaranteed interview policy for applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the post.