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
