Graduate Planning Assistant - 24 Month FTC

• Job_Description_-_Graduate_Planning_Assistant_17.07.25
• Person_Spec_-_Graduate_Planning_Assistant_17.07.2025

We only accept online applications. If you require access to a computer and/or the internet, you can use our facilities free of charge at The Amelia Scott. Please call ahead to book an appointment Tel. 01892 554171.

Please follow the link below to submit your application.

Equal Opportunities

Tunbridge Wells – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Safeguarding

The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

Are you newly qualified and looking for an excellent opportunity to take the first steps in your planning career? Are you looking to be part of a supportive, dedicated and friendly team, working in an interesting and attractive urban and rural environment? Then this role is for you.

Tunbridge Wellsisa great place to live, work and visit. The Council has a clear, coherent, and powerful vision for the future set out in our Strategic Plan 2024-32 which sets out the priorities for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

The Council has a new, emerging Local Plan at Examination for which the Inspector’s Final report is expected soon. We will begin a Local Plan Review within 6 months of adoption of the Plan. We are also in the early stages of preparing a Town Centre Plan for Royal Tunbridge Wells; the postholder will work on both of these, and other policy documents. You’ll get the opportunity to undertake research, evidence gathering and analysis and to write reports and presentations on a range of planning policy issues.

What we’re looking for:

• Candidates with a degree in Geography, Economics, Environmental Science, Town Planning or similar.
• Candidates with experience of working in a team environment, who are IT literate and have a high level of literacy and numeracy.
• Someone who is friendly and approachable and keen to develop their understanding of planning and who is willing to get involved and work as part of a team, is thorough, adaptable and welcomes a challenge.

What you’ll get:

• A planning policy team that will support your growth as you develop, providing opportunities to broaden and deepen your experience and skills as you embark on your planning career.
• Learning and development opportunities throughout your placement as part of our learning and support network.
• 22 days’ holiday (rising to 27 with 5 years' continuous LG service) + UK bank holidays + 3 extra days in December.
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Annual membership fees refunded for your professional body.
• Hybrid working to support work/life balance.
• Free parking near the Town Hall.
• Wellbeing perks like an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), flu jabs, eyecare vouchers and more.

Ready to apply?

Apply now and take this first step in your planning career. If you’d like to talk through the role, contact Sharon Evans, Planning Policy Team Leader at sharon.evans@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or on 01892 554062 or Ellen Gilbert, Planning Policy Manager at ellen.gilbert@tunbridgewells.gov.uk or on 01892 554059.

Job Description and Person Specification available below.

Closing Date: Midnight on the 25th of August 2025

Interview Date: Week commencing the 1st of September 2025