Career in Planning

Are you interested in being part of the future growth and development of your local area?

If Yes? Then a Career in Planning could be for you.

The Planning Service is mainly concerned with three planning functions:

• Development Management
• Development Planning
• Environment Planning

The most common work carried out by the Planning Service is concerned with:

• Processing planning applications
• Preparation of policy documents
• Enhancement of Natural and Built Heritage areas

Planners have a huge responsibility and have to give consideration to housing needs, transport, shopping and leisure facilities and industrial needs as well as protection of the countryside, historic buildings, archaeological features etc. Our Planners also have to seek to promote sustainable development to protect the environment for future generations.

What qualifications and experience do you need?

A degree in planning or planning related discipline recognised by the RTPI is normally required to become a Planner, however in Environmental Planning, depending on the nature of the work, other qualifications may be acceptable e.g. environmental management.

Entry requirements for University degree courses vary, although in general four Higher's at BBBB would ensue entry. Higher Geography can be advantageous although it is not essential. Other useful subjects include: economics and political studies, environmental science, government and political studies, maths, physical science and sociology.

On completion of your degree or post graduate course you are required to work as a Planner for a minimum of 2 years before you would be eligible to apply for full membership of the RTPI. Obtaining full membership leads to an increase in salary in line with our professional development scheme.

The Planning Service encourages Planners to move between the various sections in order that a breadth of experience can be gained.

Future Career Opportunities

We are always keen to be involved in training our own staff, providing both financial and office-based support to trainees. In recent years we have assisted a number of staff members to study for a post-graduate planning qualification on a part-time basis.

On completion, those staff members have all obtained Planner positions within the Council.

Further Information

View our current vacancies within Aberdeenshire Council

Or contact:

Head of Planning Policy and Environment
Woodhill House
Westburn Road
Aberdeen, AB16 5GB
Tel: 01224 664728

Head of Development Management & Building Standards
Viewmount
Arduthie Road
Stonehaven, AB39 2DQ
Tel: 01569 768301

recruitment@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

Alternatively, you could contact the RTPI:
Royal Town Planning Institute
41 Botolph Lane
London
EC3R 8DL