Senior Planner at The Heritage Council

The Senior Planning Officer will have responsibility for managing planning policy for the Heritage Council in line with policies adopted by the Heritage Council.

The Senior Planning Officer shall support the Heritage Council in achieving the aims and objectives of Our Place in time: Heritage Council Strategic Plan 2023-28. The Senior Planning Officer will have responsibility for managing planning policy for the Heritage Council in line with policies adopted by the Heritage Council.

The ideal candidate will have a proven expertise and track record in Planning. The candidate should be a good communicator with a high level of initiative, flexibility and commitment.

The position is based in the Headquarters of the Heritage Council in Kilkenny but travel throughout Ireland will be required on an occasional basis.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Heritage and Planning

• Support the Heritage Council in fulfilling its statutory responsibilities as a prescribed body under the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 as amended.

• Responsibility for the management and work programme of the Planning Sub-Committee of the Heritage Council.

•Report directly to the board of the Heritage Council on planning matters as they relate to heritage

• Act as line manager for the Heritage Council’s Planning Officer

• Collaborate with local authority heritage professionals on the preparation of local authority policy as it relates to planning

• Identify key heritage issues and initiate responses and submissions to national and regional planning policy, Development Plans and Local Area Plans/Urban Area Plans.

• Assisting in the procurement and management of consultants;

• Identify key development management cases where heritage issues are to the fore or that need to be emphasised in formal submissions

• Analyse and consider new and emerging EU, national and/or regulatory legislation, policies and guidelines in a planning context with a view to assessing the implications of such developments for heritage and responding to same

• Liaising and working with relevant statutory bodies on various aspects of planning, this may include attendance and providing evidence at oral hearings

Regulatory Compliance

  • Advising the Heritage Council on national, regional and local planning policy and legislation as it relates to heritage.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR): Examine environmental impact assessment reports to evaluate the potential effects of development projects on key heritage sites, landscapes, seascapes and ecosystems, when appropriate.

Documentation and Reporting

• Monitor planning material submitted to the Heritage Council as a prescribed body and maintain detailed records of all planning processes and documentation related to heritage projects. Prepare regular reports for the Heritage Council.

Public Engagement

• Engage with the public, heritage organisations, and other stakeholders to gather, input, address concerns, and build support for the recognition of the importance of heritage in the planning process.

Budget Management

• Assist in the development and management of budgets, ensuring that financial resources are allocated effectively and responsibly, under the direction of the Head of Conservation.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with public bodies, heritage experts, e.g., architects, planners, engineers, ecologists, archaeologists, government departments and agencies, to ensure good outcomes for heritage.
• Strengthen the Heritage Council’s with the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) via a MOU
• To work effectively with colleagues to deliver services, often as part of cross-sectoral teams or multi-disciplinary teams
• Work with colleagues on the assessment of relevant grant applications and other Heritage Council programmes as appropriate.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct research on best practices in heritage protection and sustainable development so as to inform decision-making and project planning.

Further information is contained in the information booklet below

How to Apply

To apply, please email a cover letter (no more than two pages) to Ciara Connolly at ciara@excelrecruitment.com, with the role title in the subject line, outlining why you are interested in the opportunity and where you believe your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role. Additionally, please attach a comprehensive curriculum vitae (C.V.) clearly showing the relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.

Enquiries/Further Information

If you require additional information or to arrange a confidential discussion in relation to the opportunity, please email ciara@excelrecruitment.com

Closing Date for Applications

The closing date for applications is 5pm 20th of October 2024
(Late Applications will not be considered)