An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Technical Officer to join our busy Development Management Team on a Fixed Term Contract until September 2023. You will provide technical support to the Development Management section and provide a link between Maidstone DM and the Mid Kent Planning Support Service.

The post is a possible stepping stone into a career in Planning as the post-holder will have their own caseload of minor planning matters to deal with, such as the processing of householder applications, certificates of lawful development and other minor planning applications in accordance with target timescales. Administration tasks will cover direct support to planning officers on applications, planning committee work and appeals. The post also involves the monitoring of Section 106 Legal Agreements and programme compliance administration for the KMC Innovation Centre ERDF project.

The successful applicant will be able to manage their own caseload, carry out a variety of tasks to strict deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and have the aptitude and desire to learn the skills and knowledge required to determine planning applications. You should have sound knowledge of administrative processes with excellent numerical and IT skills. Demonstrable high level experience in the provision of support to a Planning Service, including knowledge of Development Management functions and significant experience of handling planning applicants, is essential.

Customer service will be at the heart of the role and the people skills necessary to liaise with the planning support team, planning officers and external customers will be essential. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the first step into development management and develop the skills necessary to manage case work.

This role is customer-facing and the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is an essential element of the role.

Maidstone Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

If you would like to discuss this position please contact Deborah Jones, Senior Planning Technical Officer on 01622 602072.

To apply for the position please log into your iTrent Self-Service page, click on Maidstone Web Recruitment, and then click on “Search”.

Closing Date: Sunday 26th January 2020
Interview Date: w/c 3rd February 2020

Council Benefits: career average pension scheme, professional fee payment, flexible working (including opportunities for home working and job share), employee benefits package and generous leave entitlement.