Senior Enforcement Officer

Are you a team player? Are you passionate about resolving issues through negotiation and dedicated to upholding the integrity of the planning system? Are you ready for a new challenge? If so, we want to hear from you!

As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you will lead investigations into breaches of planning control and take necessary enforcement actions. Your role is crucial in ensuring positive planning enforcement outcomes for the Council. You will review and oversee enforcement casework and support a team of enforcement officers and assistants across the three planning committee areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and investigate breaches of planning control.
• Oversee and support enforcement officers and assistants.
• Ensure thorough assessment of planning enforcement enquiries.
• Conduct desk-based research and site visits for complex cases.
• Liaise with internal and external bodies, including highways, environmental health, conservation, police, and more.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a key role in maintaining the integrity of the planning system.
• Diverse Environment: Work in the beautiful Dorset Council area, home to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Professional Growth: Engage with a wide range of interesting and challenging planning enforcement issues.
• Supportive Team: Collaborate with a dedicated team and receive support from experienced managers.

About You:

• Substantial experience in planning enforcement or similar investigatory work.
• Strong negotiation skills to resolve issues without formal action.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience representing the Council at appeal hearings and criminal courts.

Location: Office base will be Dorchester with flexibility to work from home part of the week. There is a requirement to travel and assist the wider team across Dorset as needed. 

If you’re ready to make a difference and take on a rewarding challenge, apply now to join our team as a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer!

At Dorset Council, we are working together to create a fairer, more prosperous, and more sustainable Dorset for everyone, now and in the future.

We: 

• provide essential services that support over 380,000 residents 
• work in partnership to make a real difference 
• value every role and the impact it has on our communities 
• support our employees to grow, develop, and thrive 

You will: 

• be part of a team that works together for a better Dorset 
• have access to a range of benefits and support 
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation where different skills, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthen both our council and the communities we serve. 

We welcome applications from everyone and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will offer you an interview. We also want our recruitment process to be accessible. If you need any reasonable adjustments, just let us know on your application. 

This role is UK-based, and we will need to confirm your Right to Work as part of the appointment process. We use generic job descriptions and person specifications, so the job title in any attachments may differ from the advert. If needed, we will provide additional details in a context statement. 

If you’re passionate about making a difference, we’d love you to join us. 

Find out more about how to apply.