Your passion has never had a greater purpose.

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise. That’s why, when you join us as a Senior Planning Officer, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Work that goes beyond your desk

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As a Senior Planning Officer for the Planning Unit, you will be part of a team of planning professionals dealing with a variety of casework on topics such as flooding, renewable energy and industrial development as well as engaging with local authorities on their local development plans. Your role will include:

• Advising development management planners on the specific implications that may arise from planning proposal in regard to SEPA’s remit

• Producing integrated responses to EIA, SEA and other consultations ensuring that they reflect SEPA’s environmental objectives

• Advising strategic and local planners of SEPA’s policy and environmental objectives and encourage proactive approaches to environmental protection and improvement in relation to built development

• Developing and managing the consultation process within policy and to relevant service levels

The successful candidate will have an:

· Interest or background in environmental issues as they relate to planning

· Knowledge of the planning system, particularly the Scottish system

· Ability to problem solve, advocate for change and influence people

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:

• Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities

• Up to 34 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)

• Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

• Progressive Family Friendly policies

• Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive.

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis and, therefore, we cannot accept CV’s and covering letters. Please ensure that you include all relevant information in your application form.

We proudly use the “Happy to Talk Flexible Working” as well as the “Disability Confident Employer” Logos and on all our job vacancies.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues we invite successful candidates to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a Basic Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process, please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team.

To apply, please click “Apply Now”.