Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Graduate Planner Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

The Graduate Planner Assistant is a foundational, entry-level professional role designed to support a team of experienced planners in all aspects of the planning and development process. This position is a crucial stepping stone for individuals embarking on a career in town planning, urban design, or environmental consulting.

As a Graduate Planner Assistant, you are the backbone of the project team, providing essential support through research, administration, and preliminary analysis. Your work directly contributes to the successful preparation and submission of planning applications, policy analysis, and strategic development projects. This role offers an immersive learning experience, exposing you to a wide variety of projects—from small-scale residential developments to large, complex urban regeneration schemes—while working under the mentorship of senior professionals. The primary objective is to develop your technical skills, commercial awareness, and understanding of the planning system, preparing you for advancement into a full Planner role.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Recent university graduate with a degree in Planning, Geography, or a related field.
Planning Technician or Administrative Assistant within a planning consultancy or local authority.
Intern or placement student from a relevant undergraduate or postgraduate course.

Advancement To:

Planner / Town Planner
Senior Planner
Principal Planner / Team Leader

Lateral Moves:

Policy Advisor (Government or Private Sector)
GIS Analyst or Specialist
Transport Planner
Urban Designer
Development Surveyor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assist senior staff in the preparation, submission, and management of a diverse range of planning applications, including outline, full, and reserved matters applications.
Conduct thorough desktop research and policy analysis, reviewing national, regional, and local planning policies to inform development strategies.
Undertake detailed site appraisals to identify key constraints, opportunities, and the development potential of land and buildings.
Draft a variety of planning documents, including comprehensive Planning Statements, Design and Access Statements, and other supporting materials for submission.
Prepare and submit planning appeals through written representations, hearings, or inquiries, including drafting robust statements of case.
Liaise directly with local planning authorities to monitor the progress of applications, respond to queries, and negotiate on behalf of clients.
Attend and take detailed minutes for project meetings, client consultations, and pre-application discussions with local authorities.
Conduct site visits to gather essential information, take photographs, and understand the context of proposed development sites.
Assist in the preparation and coordination of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), contributing to specific chapters and managing consultant input.
Prepare clear and concise fee proposals and tenders for new business opportunities under the guidance of senior team members.
Monitor planning decisions, committee reports, and changes in planning legislation, providing timely updates to the wider team.
Create maps, site plans, and visual aids using GIS, CAD, and graphic design software to support reports and presentations.
Support community engagement and public consultation processes, including preparing exhibition materials and assisting at public events.

Secondary Functions

Provide dedicated administrative and project management support to the planning team, ensuring project files and correspondence are meticulously organized.
Assist in managing project timelines and budgets, tracking key milestones and deliverables to ensure projects remain on schedule.
Respond to initial enquiries from potential clients, gathering preliminary information to be reviewed by senior planners.
Help prepare presentations and marketing materials for client pitches and industry events, showcasing the team's expertise.
Maintain and update internal databases of case law, planning appeals, and policy precedents to support evidence-based advice.
Collaborate with other technical disciplines, such as transport, heritage, and landscape consultants, to ensure a coordinated approach to projects.
Proofread and format reports and submissions to ensure they meet the company's high standards for quality and professionalism.
Participate actively in team meetings, contributing ideas and providing updates on your assigned tasks and projects.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Planning Legislation Knowledge: A strong foundational understanding of the national and local planning system, policies, and relevant legislation.
Report & Proposal Writing: The ability to write clear, concise, and persuasive technical reports, statements, and fee proposals.
Research & Analysis: Proficient in undertaking detailed policy research and site analysis to form well-reasoned conclusions.
GIS/Mapping Software: Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis and creating high-quality maps and plans.
Microsoft Office Suite: High proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook for data management, report writing, and communication.
Basic Design Software: Exposure to design software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, or basic CAD is highly advantageous for creating supporting documents.
Data Interpretation: Ability to interpret technical drawings, survey data, and environmental reports to identify key planning issues.

Soft Skills

Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.
Attention to Detail: A meticulous and thorough approach to all tasks, ensuring accuracy in reports, applications, and correspondence.
Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical mindset, capable of identifying potential issues and contributing to effective solutions.
Time Management & Organization: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A collaborative spirit and the ability to work effectively within a team environment, supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals.
Commercial Acumen: A developing awareness of the commercial realities of development and the business needs of clients.
Adaptability & Eagerness to Learn: A genuine passion for planning and a strong desire to learn from experienced professionals and take on new challenges.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

A Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject.

Preferred Education:

A Master's degree in a relevant discipline accredited by a professional body such as the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) or the American Planning Association (APA).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Town / Urban / City and Regional Planning
Geography (Human or Physical)
Environmental Science or Management
Real Estate or Property Development
Architecture or Urban Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years. This role is designed for graduates or those with limited professional experience in the field.

Preferred:

Completion of a relevant internship, work placement, or vacation scheme within a planning consultancy, local authority, or development company.
Demonstrable experience using GIS or design software in an academic or professional capacity.
Involvement in extracurricular activities or volunteer work related to the built or natural environment.