Planning Assistant (Summer Temporary Role)
Belfast City Council - Planning Service
Location: 9-21 Adelaide Street, Belfast (Hybrid working available after training)
Contract: Temporary (approx. 19 weeks - Summer Cover)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: £13.45 per hour
About the Role
Belfast City Council is seeking two enthusiastic Planning Assistants to support the Planning Service during the busy summer period. This is an excellent opportunity for students or early-career candidates looking to gain hands-on experience within a local authority planning environment.
You will support Planning Officers with a range of administrative, research, and customer-facing tasks related to planning applications, planning control, and general planning enquiries.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in processing planning applications and planning enforcement matters
- Support Planning Officers with report preparation and recommendations
- Respond to public enquiries via phone, email, and face-to-face communication
- Carry out planning history research and data gathering
- Undertake site visits across Belfast to record and verify site information
- Support validation, consultation, and publicity processes
- Assist with development plan research and related planning studies
- Provide general administrative and service support as required
- Help ensure high standards of customer service and council representation
About You
We are looking for candidates who are:
- Currently studying a relevant degree (e.g. Planning, Property Development, Geography, or related discipline)
- Interested in developing a career in planning or local government
- Hold a full driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes
- Strong communicators with good written and verbal skills
- Organised, accurate, and able to manage workload effectively
- Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team
- Professional, customer-focused, and able to deal sensitively with the public
No prior experience is required - full training will be provided.
Why Apply?
- Gain valuable experience within a busy local authority Planning Service
- Exposure to real planning applications and development processes
- Hybrid working after initial training period
- Excellent stepping stone for careers in planning and the public sector
