Location
Edinburgh
Scope of business
Geode’s Charitable Trust is currently assisting with a large-scale urban regeneration scheme in the town of Rockcastle, Northumberland. This ex-mining town is home to around 10,000 residents and has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. The founder of Geode, Henry Daysh, was born in Rockcastle and was always a keen supporter of his local community. We aim to continue his legacy by aiding Rockcastle’s regeneration.
Scope of role
Planners are at the heart of regeneration within Rockcastle. As an assistant town planner, you will aim to balance the conflicting demands of housing, industrial development, agriculture, recreation, transport and the environment, in order to develop an urban regeneration strategy that will improve the town’s economy, its aesthetic appeal and its overall desirability as a place to live. Once this plan is in place, you will be involved in its implementation, assisting with the construction of new facilities.
Responsibilities / Activities
- Consulting with the local people, council and other interested groups over redevelopment plans.
- Developing creative and original planning projects to satisfy all interested parties.
- Negotiating with developers and other professionals, such as surveyors and architects, to come up with a practical redevelopment plan.
- Researching and designing planning policies to guide the redevelopment of Rockcastle.
- Researching and analysing data to help inform strategic developments.
- Using information technology systems such as CAD (computer-aided design) and GIS (geographical information systems) to support the redevelopment process.
- Presenting proposals at planning boards, planning appeals and at public inquiries.
- Scheduling available resources to meet planning targets.
- Writing reports, often of a complex nature, which make recommendations or explain detailed regulations. These reports will be for internal and external consumption.
Skills required
- To have attained, or be likely to attain, at least a 2.i (upper second class) degree in a relevant discipline.
- Successful completion of a Royal Town Planning Institute accredited MSc in Town Planning preferred (or a willingness to work towards one of these qualifications on appointment as part of our 3-year Graduate Training Programme).
- Royal Town Planning Institute ‘chartered’ membership status preferred (or a willingness to work towards this on appointment as part of our 3-year Graduate Training Programme).
- Work experience in relevant field preferred.
- Candidates should be effective communicators both in report writing and orally.
- Articulate with strong negotiation and influencing skills.
- Ability to build and develop internal and external relationships.
- Well organised and able to manage time effectively.
- Must be able to work independently and as part of a team (acting as its leader when required).
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office. Experience of CAD and/or GIS preferred.
Pay for this entry-level graduate position is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.