Assistant Landscape Officer

Job Introduction

Job Title: Assistant Landscape Officer

Starting Salary: £31,537 progressing to £34,434 per annum (pro rata for part time) - Pay award pending

Hours: 37

Location: Stevenage - Hybrid

Contract Type: Permanent

Directorate: Growth & Environment

This is an exciting opportunity to begin a career in Landscape Architecture and Planning and to make a real difference to sustainable growth throughout the county. Crucially you will be helping for ensure new development in Hertfordshire fully considers the Landscape Design and Visual Impact as a fundamental part of the sustainable environment.

As part of HCC’s commitment to sustainable growth and the climate change agenda, the Landscape team helps to develop new concepts and ideas to drive innovation in Landscape Design. The Landscape team supports Local Planning Authorities in Hertfordshire through the provision of timely, high-quality advice on planning proposals as a consultee.

As an Assistant Landscape Officer, you will provide informed consultation advice on the Landscape and Visual Impact of proposed development, Placemaking aspects and Soft Landscaping proposals of planning applications, fulfilling the LEADS Teams responsibilities to the County Council and District Councils.

For the right candidate this is an opportunity to be part of the wider multi-disciplinary LEADS team, addressing planning holistically across Landscape, Ecology, Archaeology and Design Sustainability, and exploring innovative and creative ways to approach wider priorities, such as climate change, place-making and sustainability to promote high-quality places for people to live.

This is a unique opportunity to have a real impact on the Landscape and Visual Environment in Hertfordshire, ensuring that existing and future communities will have attractive spaces to enjoy.

You will be assisting the Landscape Team providing high-quality information and advice to the County Council and Hertfordshire Local Planning Authorities and Developers. The role involves ensuring that Landscape Design and Visual Impact are key considerations when applications for planning permission are considered, and appropriate protection, enhancement and mitigation are properly undertaken during Plan Making, Master planning, Assessment, Detailed Design and Construction.

The work involves the interpretation and assessment of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessments, Arboricultural Impact Reports, Landscape Masterplans and Planting Plans. You would be a person who thrives in an information rich environment combining and eye for detail with an ability to prioritise and make critical assessments of Landscape Design, with support by senior members of staff. You will enjoy and have examples of tackling problems in a methodical manner using your own initiative but will also be able to showcase your ability to work positively within a team.

The work requires a degree of flexibility and pragmatism in dealing with multiple planning authorities and a wide range of planning and development scenarios. The post would suit a well organised and solution focused individual.

You will have a basic understanding of current Landscape Planning legislation and initiatives and be committed to ensuring that the benefits and importance of Landscape Design and Visual Impact form part of Hertfordshire’s Planning and Placemaking. The results of your advice will feed into creating an attractive and sustainable Hertfordshire.

Wider work of the Landscape Team for the benefit of our communities includes speaking at planning and public engagement events, co-operation with the SUDS Team in creating innovative sustainable solutions such as multifunctional SUDS features, working closely with Ecologists contributing to sustainable habitats and nature recovery.

Within the wider LEADS team, you will explore ways to bridge nature and culture, and wider considerations of their role in policy, public value and communities.

We are looking for you to hold an undergraduate and/or master’s degree in a Landscape, architectural or urban design related disciplines and will be able to demonstrate an basic understanding…