Environment Agency
Sustainable Places Officer - 33058
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Sustainable Places Officer - 33058
Job Title: Planning Advisor – Sustainable Places (Yorkshire Area)
Are you passionate about contributing to a sustainable environment? This is your chance to make a meaningful impact.
About the Role
We’re seeking a motivated, confident and enthusiastic person to join a team that engages with a range of customers to promote sustainable growth, securing the best possible environmental outcomes.
In this role, you will serve as one of the Environment Agency’s (EA) main points of contact for a designated group of local planning authorities, developers, and other bodies, focusing on:
- Planning application advice
- Pre-Application and strategic advice, including:
- Cost recovery for this work
- Liaising with customers
- Issuing quotes and reports
- Local Development Plan advice (evidence, policy, and site allocations)
You’ll proactively engage with local authorities and developers, collaborating closely with internal teams on flood risk, water quality, contaminated land, biodiversity, and environmental management to:
- Deliver expert advice
- Coordinate and manage formal responses within negotiated timescales
- Advocate for climate resilience
- Influence policies and proposals to shape the future of towns and cities
Key responsibilities include:
- Meeting strict deadlines under pressure
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders
- Understanding government growth agendas and planning systems
- Developing project management, leadership, and financial oversight skills
Incident response is a core part of this role, with mandatory training provided. Additional payments may be available during high-impact events.
The Team
The Yorkshire Area Sustainable Places team is a friendly, supportive network working across departments to deliver EA2030 environmental goals. Our responsibilities include:
- Internal collaboration with technical teams to assess environmental data, evidence, and assessments
- Producing consolidated planning responses on behalf of the EA
- External advisory work with councils and developers to ensure sustainable development with appropriate infrastructure to protect and enhance the environment
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Experience & Skills
Essential
- A willingness to learn and an enthusiasm for sustainability and planning processes
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Strong team ethic with independence and proactive problem-solving
- Proven ability to achieve results under pressure
- Outstanding time management, organisation, and prioritisation skills
- Exceptional customer service, communication (written/verbal), and relationship-building abilities
- Strong IT proficiency
Desirable
- Deep understanding of the EA’s business and environmental activities
- A degree in Town and Country Planning or a relevant discipline (e.g., Geography, Environmental Science, Sustainability, Geoscience, Ecology, Biology) OR significant planning experience, such as:
- Working in EA Sustainable Places or statutory consultee teams
- Experience as a developer, local planning authority, or another consultee (e.g., Natural England, Marine Management Organisation, Historic England, Highways Agency)
How We Support You
- Inclusive development plan with flexible career progression
- Training provided for incident response and key competencies
- Hybrid working model (office/base in Yorkshire: Leeds, York, Sheffield/Beverly), combining home and office attendance based on business needs
Key Contacts & Application Notes
- For queries, email: Zoe.Needham@environment-agency.gov.uk
- Applications are blind-assessed through competency-based answers
- Interviews: Online via MS Teams starting week commencing 3rd August 2026
- Reserve list: Applicants may be considered for 6 months
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Competency Assessment Process
To apply, candidates must answer four competency-based questions:
1. Achieves Results
Scenario: Demostrate a time you prioritised tasks to deliver environmental gains through the planning system.
2. Communicates Effectively
Scenario: Provide an example of tailoring your communication style for a specific audience.
3. Influences and Persuades Others
Scenario: Describe a time you persuaded someone to align with your proposal in a planning context.
4. Manages Self
Scenario: Share an example of managing a high-pressure workload (study/work).
Additional Information
- Not a Civil Service role – no continuity service eligibility for appointed candidates.
- Regional redundancy protections may apply for qualifying local government applicants.
- Commitment to inclusivity – flexible working (job shares) welcomed. Specify preferences in your application.
- Guaranteed interview policy – candidates with disabilities meeting minimum criteria will be invited for an interview.
Supplier Registration
For Government-facing roles, we use Crown Commercial Service frameworks. Learn more: link
AI & Ethical Application
- Do not use AI or copyしまった plaster your examples from external sources. Applications with misrepresented material may be withdrawn, or applicants subject to disciplinary action.
The Environment Agency (non-departmental public body) aligns with Civil Service AI guidelines. Review official guidance for ethical application rules.
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