Sustainable Development Officer

Sustainable Development Officer | East Peckham, Kent | Hybrid option negotiable | 42.5 Per Week full time - (flexible/part-time option negotiable) | 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday | Starting at £25,168 - £29,791 per annum (pro-rata)

The Upper Medway IDB is a leading flood risk management authority in the Medway catchment. Working under the Land Drainage Act, we perform statutory support works to control water movements in the local flood zones.

The Sustainable Development Officer for the Upper Medway IDB represents the face of the business in relation to all planning and development, and its associated consenting and enforcement. Combining knowledge of planning laws and frameworks they need to be able to offer advice to the Board, its staff, and where required our local authority partners, on land drainage consents, strategic planning, and development issues relating to sustainable drainage of both fresh water and treated foul.

Key Requirements

• Excellent spreadsheet and word processing skills.
• Excellent writing skills (for report and formal letter creation).
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Ability to traverse sites including farmland and building sites.
• Active interest in local government, countryside development, geography, or environmental science.
• Minimum of 1 A-Level (A*-C) in either English, Geography, or another relative subject.

Desirable Characteristics

• Experience or interest in local authority planning, and/or a relevant qualification (e.g. degree or diploma) in civil engineering, geography, environmental science, or another relative subject.
• Knowledge of local government functions.
• Knowledge of the Town and Country Planning Act.
• Ability to interpret and apply legislation and technical standards.
• Working towards or desire to achieve a relevant qualification at college or university.

What will your role as a Sustainable Development Officer look like?

• Management and upkeep of the internal planning system in conjunction with the Sustainable Development Manager.
• Keep accurate records of all activities (planning, consenting and enforcement cases) occurring within the district.
• Preparation of monthly planning reports for the Sustainable Development Manager.
• Visit sites and attend meetings as a representative of the Board.
• Work with LPA’s and LLFA’s on applications where there is a likely impact to the district or wider watercourse networks.
• Respond and assess consent, planning and enforcement applications within a timely manner.
• Prepare consent recommendations for Board member approval.
• Prepare documentation for signing by the Sustainable Development Manager prior to distribution.
• Aid the flow of the consenting process and enforcement.
• Apply the charging systems of the Board for consents, contributions, and commuted fees.
• Maintain mapping systems using GIS software.
• Collaborate and work closely with the Sustainable Development Manager and other colleagues within the office and field teams.

If you are ready to start your career at The Upper Medway IDB, then click APPLY now! We can’t wait to hear from you!

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