Assistant Planner

We're currently looking for an Assistant Planner to join us on a full time basis. The post is offered as an apprenticeship with the prospect of achieving an MSc in Urban Planning. The course is provided by Sheffield Hallam University and is fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) allowing you to apply for full membership of the professional body. The successful candidate would start the course in September 2025 and there are a range of entry points depending on your existing qualifications. More information can be found by copying and pasting the following link into your web browser:

https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships/architecture-and-chartered-planning/urban-planning

The Benefits

- As an apprentice you will be part of our training academy with peer group support and a workplace mentor plus opportunities to learn about the wider work of the National Park and its partners.
- Flexible working - contract hours, days and times are negotiable
- Blended office/home working arrangements
- Opportunity to develop specialist skills in rural planning, with a focus on landscape and heritage conservation
- 25 days' holiday entitlement plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time workers)
- Benefit from the stunning surroundings of the National Park

The post provides an opportunity for the post-holder to gain experience of work in a national park by assisting in the planning work in the development management part of the Planning Service.

The Peak District National Park is a treasured landscape that has been shaped by the long interaction of natural and cultural forces. You will play an important role in maintaining the balance between people and nature to ensure that the Park can be enjoyed for generations to come.

What's more, we are based between Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, making this the ideal opportunity to break away from city life and commute to the country.

The Role.

As an Assistant Planner, you will support our Planning Service in guiding and managing planning and developments within the national park.

Reporting to the Area Team Manager, you will be expected to deal with straightforward planning applications and related issues. You will negotiate with applicants on planning applications and prepare reports and recommendations.

You may also be required to assist senior officers with processing more complex cases. This will include working alongside our Monitoring and Enforcement Officers., Policy and Mineral Planning teams.

To join us as an Assistant Planner, you will need:

- to meet the entry requirements for, and be committed to completing, the Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship
- Awareness of rural planning/conservation issues
- Ability to make balanced judgements
- Good IT skills, including ability to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and databases

The Peak District National Park was the first of Britain's 15 national parks and is still enjoyed by millions, looking for both adventure and a breathing space to escape. It is also the most accessible due its proximity to four major cities of the UK and its 38,000 residents. We recognise the importance of our national park and our job is to speak up and care for the Peak District National Park for all to enjoy forever.

Our Values

- Care - We care for the Peak District National Park, the people we work with and all those we serve. It's at the heart of everything we do
- Enjoy - We take pride in what we do and feel good about our contribution
- Pioneer - We were born of pioneers. We will continue to explore opportunities to inspire future generations