Sustainable Places - Planning Specialist

Are you passionate about contributing to a more sustainable environment? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact.

We’re seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Environment Agency’s NEA Sustainable Places Team. In this key role, you’ll be providing advice and technical leadership on the Town and Countryside Planning System. You’ll guide how growth and regeneration happen – ensuring developments safeguard communities, promote biodiversity, and protect our environment.

• Provide technical expertise and guidance on planning applications and planning appeals.
• Manage our input into high‑profile developments.
• Influence the preparation and review of Local Plans including relevant policies, evidence base, and infrastructure delivery plans.
• Represent the Environment Agency as an expert witness at appeals and inquiries.
• Develop relationships with stakeholders and customers, internally and externally, to maintain robust partnerships and influence environmental outcomes.
• Keep up to date on changing legislation, case law, and best practice externally.
• Mentor other members of the team on policies, procedures, practices and techniques associated with the Town and Countryside Planning System.
• Deliver training on policies and procedures within your own team, and across other teams, within the Environment Agency.

We embrace diversity, inclusivity, and belonging.

Incident response is central to our mission. Everyone who joins us undertakes training and may support incident response, which could attract additional payments. Full training and flexible working arrangements are provided.

Our North East area has some of the most environmentally dynamic regions in the UK, and the work you do here will directly impact people, places, and the planet.