Minerals & Waste Principal Officer Policy

Job Description

Job Category : Planning
Location : County Hall, Somerset Council
Hours Per Week : 37.00
Start Date : Immediate Start
Start Time : 09:00
End Time : 17:30
Salary: £49.09

The Principal Planning Policy Officer at Somerset Council is responsible for leading the development and implementation of planning policies related to minerals and waste. This role involves managing the preparation, monitoring, and review of local plans and strategies to ensure they align with national and regional policies. The officer will provide expert advice on planning matters, conduct research and data analysis, and engage with stakeholders, including local communities, developers, and government agencies.

Corporate Responsibilities

• Provide clear leadership to deliver the Council’s strategic priorities and meet the Council’s financial targets, as a member of the Directorates Senior Leadership Team.
• Update and advise Elected Members in respect of operational and policy issues in relation to the Service.
• Lead with a clear identity in terms of flexible and responsive ways of working, inclusive and diverse culture, and high level of employee engagement and wellbeing.
• Undertake representational and communication duties on behalf of the Council to promote and protect the Council’s interests in matters concerning their specialist areas.
• Create, monitor, and review frameworks of performance measures and quality standards to be applied in the delivery of services.
• Function as an ambassador for the Council promoting, both internally and externally, the Council’s vision, strategic aims, and values.
• Value the diversity of Somerset’s communities ensuring equality of access and treatment in service delivery and employment.
• Function as a role model for Somerset’s vision and values. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement that encourages creativity and innovation to ensure services are efficient and develop the potential and flexibility across the Council and its workforce including the motivation and development of employees within the Service.
• Ensure that the Service places a high value on customer responsiveness by demonstrating a commitment to meeting and involving the broadest range of direct and indirect service users, citizens, customers, communities, and businesses.

Knowledge
• In-depth knowledge of planning legislation and policies related to minerals and waste (E).
• Understanding of environmental impacts and sustainable development principles (E).
• Familiarity with local, regional, and national planning frameworks (E).
• Knowledge of land use planning and development control processes (E).
• Awareness of health and safety regulations in relation to site inspections (D).
• Understanding of public consultation and stakeholder engagement processes (E).
Experience
• Proven experience in a planning role, preferably within minerals and waste (E).
• Experience in assessing and processing complex planning applications (E).
• Experience in conducting site inspections and monitoring compliance (E).
• Experience in preparing and presenting reports to planning committees (E).
• Experience in representing an organization at public inquiries and appeals (E).
• Experience in developing and implementing planning policies and strategies (E).
Qualifications
• Degree in Town Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field (E).
• Membership of a relevant professional body, such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) (E).
• Postgraduate qualification in a related discipline (D).
• Certification in environmental impact assessment (D).
• Training in public inquiry and appeal processes (D).
• Continuous professional development in planning and related fields (D).
Skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (E).
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills (E).
• Ability to interpret and apply planning legislation and policies (E).
• Proficiency in using planning and mapping software (E).
• Strong organizational and time management skills (E).
• Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders (E).
• Good report writing and presentation skills (E).
• Ability to manage and resolve conflicts (E).