Careers in Planning

Planning is a broad and rewarding career and allows for specialisation in the fields of urban design, environmental sciences, social issues, management, developments and a host of allied fields. Planners have a broad training in the arts, sciences and humanities. This training aims to make planners the co-ordinators of development projects, socially aware, environmentally responsible - problem solvers.

Planning involves the management and development of both urban and rural areas in order to protect and best serve the present and future generations. All planning issues deal with conflicting demands; it is the role of the planner to analyse and understand these demands and to advise on the best options. Many planning decisions are taken by elected officials based on professional advice.

The DOE Planning Service is the regional planning authority for Northern Ireland. It is responsible for all aspects of development control, development planning, formulation of planning policy and guidance, conservation, regeneration, minerals planning, waste management planning and hazardous substances planning.

The Planning Service recruits Professional and Technology Officers at the following levels:

Trainee Planning Assistant

Entry Requirements - you must have

• achieved grades A-C in 4 GCSE subjects. The subjects must include English language, Mathematics and a science subject; or
• qualifications considered by Planning Service to be equivalent or higher.

Professional and Technology Officer

These posts offer opportunities to practise a wide range of planning skills, including participation in Development Planning, Development Control and Enforcement duties.

Entry Requirements: You must have:

A BTEC National Certificate/Diploma in Land Administration (Planning) and an aggregate of at least 4 years relevant experience. The  4 years may include up to 3 years relevant full time study; or

• BTEC Higher National Certificate/Diploma in Land Administration (Planning); And Access to a form of transport which will allow you to carry out site visits etc. or
• Qualifications considered by Planning Service to be equivalent or higher.
• In this Grade we recruit for permanent appointments and temporary appointments which last for up to 51 weeks.

Higher Professional and Technology Officer

These posts too, offer opportunities to practise a wide range of planning skills, including participation in Development Planning, Development Control and Enforcement duties. Most post holders will also be responsible for the supervision of staff.

Entry Requirements: You must have:

• A fully exempting degree or diploma which meets the academic requirements for the corporate membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute, for example -

(a) Undergraduate - BSc Degree in Environmental Planning plus Diploma; or
(b) Postgraduate - MSc Degree in Town and Country Planning; or
(c) Postgraduate - Diploma in Town and Country Planning; or
(d) have passed the final examinations of the Royal Town Planning Institute; and

• At least 2 years' relevant professional experience at the closing date indicated below: and
• have access to a form of transport which will allow you to carry out site visits etc.

All recruitment competitions are advertised on our Website as well as in the regional press.