Worcester

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Planning Policy Team at Worcester City Council. This post would suit a recent graduate and includes the opportunity to undertake an RTPI accredited Masters degree funded by the City Council.

Worcester is a great place to work. We have a thriving city centre, investment by cutting edge technology companies, a great wealth of history, and a fantastic environment making it somewhere to be proud of. Being such a wonderful place, the role of the Planning Service is crucial in ensuring that the city retains its high quality appearance, character and environment.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Worcester sits at the heart of the County, with the River Severn and the Worcester & Birmingham Canal running through its centre and a history spanning more than 2,000 years. Its rich heritage includes the 12th Century Cathedral, a Guildhall admired by monarchs from King George III to Queen Elizabeth II and the site of the English Civil War’s last battle. Worcester offers a high quality of life with its rich and varied heritage, award winning parks, excellent schools and diverse range of shops and restaurants.

The city enjoys a strong sporting reputation with top flight cricket, rugby and basketball clubs, a centrally located racecourse and major annual running events. Worcester has a strong cultural and musical life and is the birthplace of Elgar, one of England’s most celebrated composers.

Benefits to you:

- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 30 days with 5 years of local government service)
- Flexible (including part time) working hours
- Agile/remote working arrangements
- Generous pension scheme
- Support for training and professional development
- Subsidised RTPI, IHBC or RIBA subscription.
- Discounted car parking
- Subsidised leisure facilities and employee discounts in local stores
- Free confidential employee assistance programme, available 24 hours a day
- Office is less than five minutes’ walk from Worcester Foregate Street train station
- Birmingham less than an hour’s commute away
- Plus unlimited free teas and coffees for you to enjoy whilst you’re at work

At Worcester City Council, we are committed to seeking excellence in everything we do as we strive for the coveted Investors in Accreditation standard.

The role

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a graduate planner to join Worcester City Council.

You will be joining an experienced team and supporting the City Council to deliver an excellent planning service.  The post is based within the Planning Policy team but offers the flexibility to gain experience in development management and site delivery. 

The role comes with support to complete an RTPI accredited Masters degree and mentoring to allow the successful candidate to work towards chartered town planner status.

Working jointly with Wychavon District Council and Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council adopted its Local Plan in February 2016.  A review of the Local Plan is currently underway. The role offers opportunities to get involved with all aspects of planning policy work including developing an evidence base, writing planning policy documents, implementation and monitoring delivery. 

You will need to possess a degree in planning or a related discipline and be willing to undertake a Masters degree on a day release basis.  We will also consider applications from candidates who already hold an RTPI accredited postgraduate degree. 

This is the ideal role in which to start a career in town planning.

Key Requirements

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a passion for planning and a desire to build a career within the profession. They will be an enthusiastic and outgoing person who is committed to their own professional development.  Good communication skills and a willingness to learn are essential.  We encourage applications from those who already hold an undergraduate degree in a planning related discipline or those who are graduating in summer 2019.  We will also consider applications from candidates who already hold an RTPI accredited postgraduate degree.      

Skills and Experience

You must be able to demonstrate the following:

• An undergraduate degree in a planning related discipline
• A willingness to undertake an RTPI accredited Masters course and work towards chartered town planner status.
• Good communication skills.
• Knowledge of planning law and policy.
• Previous experience of working within a Local Authority planning team would be advantageous.

Additional Information

For an informal discussion please contact Maria Dunn, Planning Policy Team Leader on 01905 721178 or Corin Beames, Senior Planner (Policy) on 01905 722546.

 Closing date: 30 June 2019

Interview dates: Monday 8^th and/or Tuesday 9^th July 2019