Protect it. Shape it. Enjoy it. Be part of Dorset
Dorset is a beautiful and iconic area, with historic market towns and miles of stunning coast. But it’s also a place of growth and innovation. Our Strategic Policy team is working on the preparation of the first Dorset-wide Local Plan and this job is an opportunity to contribute to various key stages of plan preparation - and influence the future of Dorset.
What's in it for you?
You'll be working on all aspects of local plan preparation and related policy work, including drafting policies, researching issues, engaging and consulting with communities and stakeholders, monitoring, and giving policy advice to other teams. You'll be part of our friendly Strategic Planning team, which also works closely with the Community Planning and Infrastructure & Delivery teams. Our office base is Dorchester but we are all set up for working from home as well, and collaborate virtually as well as face to face.
The team includes planners with a range of experience and expertise, and there will be plenty of opportunity to learn in the role. Dorset has some particular planning challenges, including housing affordability and the impact of development on important nature conservation sites, to add to your experience, and we can mentor you in your progress to RTPI membership.
What you can expect to be doing
We have just started a consultation on site options for the new local plan, and are aiming to submit the plan for examination by the December 2026 deadline, so it is a busy and interesting time to be working in the Strategic Planning team. You'll be involved in drafting local plan policies, liaising with stakeholders and responding to the changes in national policy. You'll also be advising development management officers on the policy implications of development proposals, including housing land supply.
About you
This is a great opportunity to develop your career in planning. It's a career grade position, so we are keen to hear from experienced and qualified planners, as well as those seeking to gain experience. You will have a degree-level qualification, preferably a postgraduate planning qualification providing a route to RTPI membership, and ideally some relevant work experience. You'll be well organised, with the ability to manage a significant workload and meet deadlines, and the ability to follow procedures and evaluate problems.
You'll have good IT skills and an interest in digital approaches. You will have good oral and written communication skills, as writing reports, discussing issues and making presentations are important parts of the job. And an aptitude for figures and spreadsheets, and familiarity with housing land supply issues, would be helpful. Finally, you'll enjoy collaborating and working within a team, and have an affinity with our values: Respect, Openness, Together, Accountability and Curiosity.
With a team that lives by these principles, we have a friendly workplace where you’ll be free to learn and thrive. Employee benefits are generous and include a local government pension, flexible working and continual learning and development. With beautiful beaches and countryside on your doorstep too, a Planning career in Dorset comes with everything you need.