Planning Technical Support Officer – 3 Month Contract

Summary

Responsibilities

Planning Application Validation

• Validate and register planning applications in line with statutory and local procedures.
  


• Ensure applications include correct documentation and supporting information.
  


• Assess applications against local and national validation requirements.
  


• Communicate with applicants, agents, and planning officers regarding validation issues.
  

Planning Administration

• Maintain accurate planning records and databases.
  


• Process planning applications and associated documentation.
  


• Record consultations, responses, and planning decisions.
  


• Ensure planning information is accurately stored and updated.
  

Customer Service & Enquiries

• Respond to enquiries from residents, applicants, agents, and stakeholders via telephone, email, and occasionally in person.
  


• Provide advice on planning application procedures and requirements.
  


• Deliver a professional and customer-focused service.
  

Technical Support

• Support Planning Officers with administrative and technical casework activities.
  


• Prepare routine correspondence and documentation.
  


• Assist with document management and planning file maintenance.
  


• Support planning enforcement and development management functions as needed.
  

Data Management & Digitisation

• Assist with the digitisation of planning records and datasets.
  


• Support the updating and maintenance of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) information.
  


• Ensure planning records and historical data are maintained accurately.
  


• Contribute to service improvement and modernisation projects.
  

Team Support

• Collaborate within the Development Management team.
  


• Support service delivery targets and performance objectives.
  


• Assist colleagues during periods of high workload.
  


• Contribute to the efficient operation of the Planning Service.
  

Qualifications

• Good standard of education, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
  

• Qualification in Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
  

Knowledge

• Knowledge of planning application processes and validation procedures.
  


• Understanding of Development Management processes.
  


• Knowledge of planning legislation and local authority planning procedures.
  


• Understanding of planning administration systems and record management.
  

• Working knowledge and experience of Uniform Planning System.
  

• Knowledge of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).
  


• Understanding of planning digitisation projects and records management.
  

Experience

• Experience within a Local Planning Authority Planning Service.
  


• Experience validating planning applications.
  


• Experience in Planning Administration or Development Management.
  


• Experience maintaining planning records and databases.
  


• Experience responding to customer and stakeholder enquiries.
  


• Experience using Uniform Planning System.
  

• Experience supporting planning officers with case management activities.
  


• Experience working on planning digitisation projects.
  


• Experience processing consultations and planning documentation.
  

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail.
  


• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
  


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  


• Strong customer service skills.
  


• Ability to manage a varied workload and competing priorities.
  


• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
  


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  


• Ability to interpret planning documentation accurately.
  

Additional Information

• This is a 3-month temporary contract.
  


• Rate: £123.68 per day (Umbrella).
  


• Location: Hertford.
  


• Hybrid working – 1 day office-based, 4 days remote (flexible for the right candidate).
  


• Pay is provided on a bi-weekly basis.
  


• Local Planning Authority experience is essential.
  


• Uniform Planning System experience is essential.
  


• Planning application validation experience is essential.
  


• Opportunity to work within a busy and supportive Development Management team.
  


• Immediate start available.