Tamworth Borough Council

PERSON SPECIFICATION /

Tamworth Borough Council

Job Title: Planning Officer Service Unit: Planning and Regeneration

Date Produced: January 2016

Grade: 6 Section: Development Management
Version No: 3
Compiled by: Matthew Bowers Signature of Author:

ATTRIBUTES

/ JOB REQUIREMENTS
1. Knowledge
What special knowledge is required to perform this job properly? e.g. foreign language abilities, computer skills accounting and financial techniques, knowledge of employment legislation, familiarity with the locality etc.
·  A sound basis of practical town planning skills
·  Knowledge of town planning legislation, particularly related to planning application processes
·  Knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and other IT systems
2. Practical Skills
To what extent is the post holder required to be practically orientated, mechanically minded, manually dexterous etc.?
·  Ability to use a variety of presentation and display equipment.
·  Keyboard/IT skills and systems.
·  Knowledge of GIS and EDRM systems
·  Ability to drive with a full, clean Driving Licence.
3. Intellectual Skills
What abilities are necessary in respect of interpreting complex information, understanding detailed reports, decision making etc.?
·  Ability to interpret complex data; high level literacy and numeracy; good report writing and presentation skills.
·  Ability to lead and contribute effectively at meetings.
·  Influencing and negotiating skills.
·  Capable of interpreting town planning legislation and other complex information
·  Reaching logical decisions based on variable and conflicting information
·  Articulate and able to assimilate and impart information on a range of issues, using own initiative
·  Able to organise workload effectively
4. Educational Background
Any formal qualifications essential to enable the post holder to carry out the duties of the appointment to an acceptable standard, or is relevant experience as beneficial? Describe specific qualification, subject matter and level of attainment where appropriate, considering whether overseas/other equivalent courses are acceptable.
·  Educated to Degree Level or commensurate experience in Planning.
·  Membership of Royal Town Planning Institute or other recognised professional qualification would be desirable
5. Training
What does the candidate require in the way of specialist training in order to be successful in this post? e.g. apprenticeship in a particular trade, supervisory management training, computer literacy, word processing, practical instruction in the use of equipment, interviewing skills etc. Can this compensate for a lack of formal qualifications?
·  Evidence of continuing professional development.
·  Eligible for membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute
6. General Abilities
What general skills and abilities are required in this post? e.g. communication & interpersonal skills, self-reliance, self-motivation, co-operation, delegation, leadership, accuracy & attention to detail, tolerance of monotony etc.
·  Project management
·  Research skills and interpretation of data
·  Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the preparation and presentation of reports.
·  Ability to interact with people at all levels, including negotiating skills.
·  Self-reliant, initiator, motivator, finisher.
·  To communicate effectively with members of the public
·  Ability to keep accurate records according to agreed systems
·  Strong listening skills
·  Ability to demonstrate consistent attention to detail.
·  Ability to operate effectively as a team member and on own initiative
·  Ability to work in partnership with other officers from the Council and external organisations.
7. Experience
Specify the type and length of job related experience needed by the candidate, including reference to the most appropriate working environment. Can any other experience e.g. through social, domestic or leisure activities supplement or replace this?
·  Experience within a public or private planning environment dealing with development management.
8. Personal Circumstances
What personal circumstances are required in order to carry out the job duties properly? e.g. car ownership, the willingness to live in where necessary, or to travel, work away from home, work week-ends or shifts etc.
·  Some early morning and evening work, with very occasional weekend working.
·  Access to a car
·  Full driving licence

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