Are you interested in a hands-on role that’s vital to planning decisions in Leeds, helping us ensure  new developments are safe and sustainable? Do you have good IT skills and the ability to convey technical information clearly to different audiences?
We ‘re looking for a committed, enthusiastic Senior Technical Officer to join our contaminated land team and help us fulfil our obligations under the National Planning Policy Framework and Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

As one of the leading authorities for the regulation of land contamination, Leeds City Council can offer you a rewarding role, with a varied caseload and opportunities for career development.

Your role

As Senior Technical Officer you will be a key member of the contaminated land team in our planning and sustainable development service.

You will investigate and report on land contamination issues to help the council assess the suitability of sites for proposed development. You will analyse reports submitted with planning applications and undertake any further investigations. You will advise planning officers on identified contamination, its implications and remediation.

You will contribute to Leeds City Council’s Contaminated Land Inspection Strategy, by writing Phase I Desk Studies, conducting soil sampling and writing up Phase II Site Investigation reports.

About you

You will be a team player, self-motivated and with relevant experience gained in the public or private sector. The qualifications and skills you need include:

• degree in an appropriate discipline (such as land contamination, environmental or earth science, chemistry)
• understanding of land contamination provisions in legislation and planning procedures
• knowledge of best practice for investigation and remediation of contaminated land
• well-developed IT skills
• good working knowledge of GIS
• ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing

What we offer you

We pride ourselves on offering the best employee experience, with a genuine commitment to keeping our colleagues safe and well at work.

We offer:

• a competitive pay progression structure
• generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holiday allowance
• flexible working options, subject to service needs, including hybrid working and flexitime
• clear career paths with tailored personal and professional development
• a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
• membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund

How to apply

Before applying please read the job description and employee specification carefully. We will only shortlist candidates who demonstrate in their application that they meet all the essential criteria for the role.

Please complete our online application form in full: https://leeds.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/13940?c=leeds

You will be invited to upload your CV if you wish, which will prepopulate your contact details, employment history, qualifications and training. However you should check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Stella Keenan on 0113 378 7608 or Greg Gibson on 0113 378 9865.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds. Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 employer 2020, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.