Essex County Council

Strategic Development Officer 7506

Permanent Contract

Part Time, 22.2 hours per week

Salary up to £16,800 per annum

Essex County Council has an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Development Officer to join their Economic and Development team on a permanent basis.

The role involves assisting with the delivery of the Council’s Strategic Development service, helping to produce a first class service for our customers and securing and co-ordinating the provision of privately funded infrastructure to meet the challenges of delivering the Local Planning Authority’s targets for housing and employment for Essex. Liaising directly with District/Borough Councils and strategic partners, the role involves utilising the planning system to implement integrated land-use and transport strategies across the county and in major growth and regeneration areas. Also to deliver a high quality built environment for the residents of Essex taking a role in place shaping initiatives, carbon reduction, and greater levels of sustainable travel.

Job Summary

The purpose of this job is to ensure a high performing Strategic Development function within the Economic Growth and Development team meeting all agreed service standards. The post  engages with the private sector and district authorities, through the planning process for minor planning applications, assisting the Development Manager and Strategic Development Engineer with advice to Local Planning Authorities on transport related issues associated with emerging Local Plans. It assesses new minor development proposals within the spatial area(s) including obtaining funding for new infrastructure, supporting such development and delivering the highest quality of public realm. It also co-ordinates a range of resources to deliver these objectives, utilising ECC and Essex Highways staff, consultants, and other key stakeholders. The post holder works in partnership with a range of other key stakeholders to ensure that new development meets the tests of sustainability in line with central and local government policies.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Previous experience in the field of transportation
• Some experience dealing with elected Members at an informal level
• Some experience in dealing with major development proposals
• Knowledge of transport planning policy and practice
• Knowledge of the development plan system and planning legislation;
• Understanding of the structure of local government, the role of elected Members, and current issues facing local government.
• A qualification in a related subject or equivalent proven experience in the field of Development Management.
• Associate membership of the Institute of Highways & Transportation, Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers, the Royal Town Planning Institute, or other appropriate professional body;
• Evidence of continuous professional development;
• Good written, verbal and listening skills

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Our aim is to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

As part of employment with Essex County Council should you role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the  DBS Update Service.

The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained.

For further information on the DBS update service please visit: https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service

Essex County Council are proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all of our employees. This includes:

• A Local Government pension scheme
• Interest free bus & rail season ticket loans, from £100 - £5,000 as well as pool bikes & a car sharing scheme
• Childcare voucher scheme
• Excellent opportunities for personal & professional development through our specialist L&D teams
• Extensive induction programmes
• At least 25 days annual leave + 8 bank holiday days (rising to 29 days dependant on grade & length of service)
• Continued service benefits
• Staff discounts in gyms / travel agents / car sales / restaurants & days out