Job Description
- Location: Victoria Gate, Chobham Road, Woking, GU21 6JD
The starting salary for this position is £33,553 per annum for 36 hours per week. This position has a pay grade span ranging between PS7 - PS9 (£33,553 - £45,135) which offers the opportunity to progress as you develop in your role.
We're excited to welcome a Planning Officer into our friendly and specialist Minerals and Waste Policy Team. If you're passionate about the environment, interested in land use planning, and looking for a role where you can grow your skills while contributing to meaningful policy work, this could be the perfect next step.
Our team is based in Woking (and Reigate) and works flexibly in a hybrid way. We're a close-knit group with a strong commitment to professional standards, collaboration and continuous learning.
What We OfferWe're committed to helping you build a rewarding and sustainable career in planning. You'll benefit from:
Development & Qualifications- A structured Professional Development Programme, including opportunities to gain new skills, experience and a planning qualification accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute
- A competitive local government salary and pension
- 26 days annual leave, rising to 28 after 2 years and 31 after 5 years
- Option to buy up to 10 additional days of annual leave each year
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Maternity, paternity, adoption and dependants leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a wide range of discounts on gym membership, travel, shopping and lifestyle services
- Work that makes a tangible difference to Surrey's environment and communities
- Opportunities to grow within a specialist planning discipline with national relevance
Our team is responsible for preparing and monitoring Surrey's Minerals and Waste Development Framework, ensuring the county can sustainably manage its waste and maintain a secure supply of essential minerals. We pride ourselves on being efficient, professional and forward thinking.
Surrey County Council is also on an exciting transformation journey, aiming to become a leading edge authority where no one is left behind. You will join at a pivotal time as we shape long term environmental and infrastructure outcomes for the county.
As a Planning Officer, you will support a wide range of important policy activities, including:
Policy & Evidence Work- Contributing to the preparation of the joint Minerals and Waste Local Plan
- Supporting the development of evidence, analysis and research
- Assisting with annual preparation of the Local Aggregate Assessment and Authority Monitoring Report
- South East England Aggregate Working Party
- South East Waste Planning Advisory Group
- Drafting responses to planning consultations
- Handling enquiries from operators, partners, and the public
Although you will not have line management responsibilities, you will be encouraged to take ownership of your workload, manage your time effectively, and actively pursue your own professional development.
Who We're Looking For- Educated to A level / HNC or equivalent (Level 3/4 QCF/RQF). A degree in planning, geography, environmental science or a related field is an advantage
- A good understanding of land use planning in England and the role of local government
- Good communication skills, able to explain information clearly both in writing and verbally
- Strong organisational, analytical and administrative abilities
- Ability to plan and manage your own workload and work independently when needed
- Previous experience in local government or planning, development, environmental or construction related services
If you're looking for a role where you can develop as a planning professional, contribute to meaningful work, and be part of a supportive and specialist team, we'd love to hear from you.
To ApplyPlease submit a CV and a personal statement (no more than 1,000 words) explaining why you are a good fit for the role. Your CV and personal statement should show how you meet the essential criteria listed in our advert and connect your answers to the behaviours we're looking for. Shortlisting for interview will be based on the evidence you provide by way of your CV and personal statement.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 15/03/2026 with interviews planned for week commencing 30/03/2026.This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
Contact UsPlease contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
