Assistant Planning Adviser

A fantastic opportunity has arisen in our South West region for a planner seeking to develop their career with a varied and interesting workload. You’ll be supporting National Trust properties such as Killerton, Lanhydrock, and Knightshayes, and areas of nationally designated countryside and coast in Devon and Cornwall.

Our Planning Team has a meaningful role to play in promoting a coordinated approach to sustainable development. It’s a busy and exciting time to join, with challenges ranging from major infrastructure projects to the sensitive development of our own properties to sustain their future, tackle climate change and enable them to welcome everyone.

In this role you'll work on varied projects in breathtaking and historic places, growing your knowledge and experience across policy and development management.

Location: National Trust office hub at either Killerton or Lanhydrock.

Contract: The role is offered on a fixed-term (12 months) and full-time basis (37.5 hours per week), although we will also consider applications for part-time working.

Applications: Applicants should supply a copy of their CV, as well as a covering letter tailored to the National Trust and the requirements of the role.

Provisional interview date: 28th April 2025 at Killerton, Devon.

What it's like to work here

You’ll be part of South West Consultancy: a multidisciplinary team of experts, from curators and coastal specialists to project managers and archaeologists, who provide specialist advice and support to our properties to help make things happen.

Your contractual location will be the National Trust office hub at either Killerton or Lanhydrock, but we anticipate hybrid working arrangements, with a balance of office and home working and travel to Trust properties for site visits and meetings. We can be flexible about working patterns and are happy to explore and agree a working arrangement which strikes the right balance for both you and the Trust.

What you'll be doing

You’ll provide professional planning advice and support, collaborating with colleagues in the regional team and, importantly, at many of our properties. You’ll also join regular meetings/teleconferences with planners across the National Trust, where you’ll benefit from knowledge sharing and opportunities for training and CPD.

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with a wide range of planning issues with a particular focus on the conservation of heritage, ecology and the coast. Under the guidance of a senior Planning Adviser, you’ll assist with planning matters across our regional portfolio of properties, advising on our development proposals. You’ll also monitor and respond to external planning applications, and consultations on local and neighbourhood plans. You’ll engage with officers at local planning authorities and with statutory consultees including Historic England and Natural England.

Who we're looking for

We’d love to hear from you, if you have the following skills and experience:

• a planner with an RTPI-accredited degree or working towards chartered RTPI membership through another recognised route
• knowledge and understanding of the legislative background to planning and of local government
• experience of analysing, resolving and preparing positions/advice on planning issues
• influencing, negotiating and communication skills, ability to engage with a range of audiences
• ability to build collaborative and effective working relationships
• client focus and the ability to manage your time across a varied caseload
• full UK driving licence

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
• Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
• Rental deposit loan scheme
• Season ticket loan
• EV car lease scheme
• Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
• Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
• Flexible working whenever possible
• Employee assistance programme
• Free parking at most Trust places