Trainee Planner

We currently have an opportunity for a highly motivated individual wishing to establish and develop their planning career to join our innovative and award-winning Planning Service as a trainee planning officer.

Derbyshire County Council Planning Service prides itself in its ability to work closely with the minerals and waste industry guiding them through the development management process to achieve added value outcomes for the community and environment as well as guiding the Councils own developments, including schools, care facilities and highways infrastructure.

The role is to help the Council in delivering its Development Management function by dealing with a range of development proposals and by supporting and enabling development opportunities.

The role gives you the opportunity and ability to develop your skills across the various planning disciplines. Derbyshire’s Planning Service cross working approach within all its functions including Development Management, Monitoring and Enforcement and Strategic Planning means that the post holder would have the ability to work and provide operational support across all planning service areas gaining a wide range of relevant planning experience.

The role would also provide opportunity for any successful candidate to attain a level of qualification towards eligibility to apply for Membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute through a relevant post graduate qualification.

This role in Derbyshire Planning Service is your opportunity to develop and support your career in planning.

Key Responsibilities

• To process minor planning applications such as small extensions and small variation or submissions on County development, minerals and waste sites.
• Support case officers in processing major Environmental Impact Assessment Schemes
• Assist with preparing pre-application enquiry responses.
• Assist with the preparation of the Minerals and Waste Local Plans 
• Assist with the preparation of the Strategic consultations
• Co-ordinate and respond to national and Strategic Consultations
• Support the minerals and waste monitoring programme of site inspections
• Assist with research and compilation of technical reports and evidence base reports
• Assist with the management of Derbyshire Planning Officer Groups.

What Skills and experience do you need to have:

The role requires engagement with our elected members, residents, businesses and other stakeholders and, as such, we are looking for a skilled and motivated individual who is confident in dealing with people with experience of working within a customer focused environment.

You will be required to have a good level of education including A-Levels or equivalent and being part qualified (part completed) to relevant degree level or equivalent as well as having excellent IT skills.

You will need to have experience of working to and meeting targets and deadlines including the production of reports.

You will need the ability to explain technical information in a clear and concise manner and the ability to speak fluent English in order to communicate fully in the role with clients and the public.

Whilst not essential, some experience of working within local government and or within the planning system (either within the private sector or local government) would be beneficial to the role.

You will have the ability and willingness to travel across the County to undertake outdoor site visits.

These lists are not exhaustive, take a look at our comprehensive job profile for more detail.

To find out more about our Planning Service visit; www.derbyshire.gov.uk/planningservicesrecruitment 

Provisional Closing Date:  7 July 2025

Support & Benefits:

• Generous Annual Leave Scheme (25 days increasing to 30 days after 5 years’ service): Ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
• Flexi Time Scheme: Up to two days flexi leave every four weeks (pro rata for part-time employees), subject to service needs.
• Local Government Pension Scheme: Providing financial security.
• Wellbeing Support Framework: Includes OH physician services, physiotherapy, CBT, and in-house counselling.
• Employee Wellbeing Support: Fast track physiotherapy, confidential psychological support services, Employee Assistance Programme, and “Wisdom” app.
• Training and Development: Opportunities for professional qualifications and ongoing training.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Our Derbyshire Rewards: a package of benefits and discounts.
• & much more