Senior Enforcement Officer

Are you passionate about resolving issues through negotiation and dedicated to upholding the integrity of the planning system? Are you experienced in Planning Enforcement? Are you a team player? 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 carry enforcement casework and oversee & support a team of enforcement officers & assistants across one of 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, legal, planning, conservation 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 preferred. Similar investigatory or planning background will be considered.
• 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: Primarily based in Dorchester, including travelling and assisting the wider team across Dorset as needed. There is flexibility to work from home part of the week.

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!

For informal enquiries about the role please contact Aidan Meredith - Planning Enforcement Manager via email at: [email protected]

This is a full time role at 37 hours per week.

This post requires significant travel. You must have a driving licence and vehicle (or transport we deem suitable) available for use as needed, together with appropriate business insurance cover.

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. Hear directly from our employees about what makes Dorset Council special in this short video:

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 300,000 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
• receive training and development opportunities to help your career progress

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.