Trainee Planning Assistant (Student Placement)

Proposed Interview Dates: Wednesday 22 April and Thursday 23 April 2026

Closing Date: Sunday 12 April 2026

Contract Type: Temporary for 1 year (2 posts available)

Salary: FC4 £25,885.80 - £28,175.91 (Pro-Rata)

Working Pattern: 14.4 hours per week during term time and up to 36 hours outwith term time.

Location: Fife House, Glenrothes

Supporting Statement

As part of your application, you must provide us with a Supporting Statement which outlines to us how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for this vacancy. Without a Supporting Statement, your application will not be progressed. Please upload your Supporting Statement at the section marked ‘upload résumé’. Your Supporting Statement must not be a CV.

Job Details

About the Role

As a Trainee Planning Assistant, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals across a range of teams, gaining practical experience in development management, place making, and planning policy.

This role offers a structured learning environment designed to develop your professional skills, build confidence, and give you a real understanding of planning practice within a local authority.

Are you studying towards a degree in town planning and looking for hands-on experience in a forward-thinking planning authority? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to join Fife Council as a part-time Trainee Planning Assistant while continuing to study.

What You Will Do

• Assist with validating and processing planning applications.
• Prepare reports, case files, and supporting documents.
• Carry out research and help prepare planning policy materials.
• Support community engagement activities and consultations.
• Provide customer service and respond to planning-related enquiries.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to wider service projects.

What We Offer

• A structured, supportive placement within a high-performing Planning Service.
• Mentoring from experienced practitioners.
• Opportunities to gain experience across different planning functions.
• Insight into real planning casework, policy development, and place-making.
• A chance to build the skills and confidence needed for a successful planning career.

The Person

What We’re Looking For

• A current student on an accredited planning or related degree course
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good analytical and organisational abilities.
• A positive, proactive approach to learning.
• Ability to work well as part of a team and build constructive relationships.

Further Information

• Role Profile - When preparing your supporting statement, review the role profile and think about how you meet the essential criteria Role Profile
• How We Work Matters - Our employees are expected to display and promote certain behaviours in the workplace. See our How We Work Matters behaviour framework for more information.
• Employee Benefits - Employees have access to a benefits package that offers discounts on a wide range of products and services.
• Directorate Information - Council Department information
• Social Media - Search for more 'Fife Council Jobs' on Facebook or follow us on X @FCJobsOfficial.
• Alternative Formats - Job information can be made available in alternative formats.

We are currently shaping our future workstyles; however, in light of current advice, we are introducing blended home/office working that will include office access days each week with homeworking for the remainder of your working time.