Design Officer

• Design Officer
• Location: South Downs Centre, Midhurst (blended working)
• Closing Date: 21 April 2024
• Interview Date: 2 May 2024
• Salary: £40,179 – £43,885
• Hours: 37 hours per week, job share will be considered
• Type of post: Permanent

The South Downs National Park is a stunning landscape that sits in a beautiful part of Southern England. It is a vibrant and exciting place to work, not least as it lies in a region of substantial urban spread with high levels of economic activity which creates pressures on the National Park. Our role is to achieve the best balance between environmental, social, and economic outcomes to conserve and enhance this man-made landscape.

This is an important role for the National Park, and we need someone who will take a lead in offering advice on urban design including on many large and complex development schemes within rural and some urban contexts, including Petersfield and Lewes. You will also help develop policy, provide policy guidance, advise neighbourhood planning groups, partake in design reviews, and assist our Design Review Panel, a group of prominent design experts.

As a National Park Authority, we need to ensure that future development in the park is managed sympathetically. We must also develop strategies and individual briefs which meet the needs of our communities – residents; visitors and businesses, but at the same time protect and enhance the natural environment and diversity and unique beauty of the landscape.

The role of the National Park Design Officer is key to this process. Working with a Design Officer already in post, as part of a friendly, specialist team of landscape, conservation, and design officers, you will ensure the delivery of high-quality design and enhancement within the built and natural environment of the National Park. This is a challenging role with the opportunity to work on a unique and diverse range of design projects. The role needs someone with tenacity, diplomacy, and enthusiasm as well as a strong work ethic to deliver positive outcomes.

If this is something that really interests you, and you know you can add value to the work of the team and meet the person specification; then please apply.

To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our application referring to the person specification.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits

• Flexible working
• Local government pension scheme
• Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
• 27 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Professional development support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car sharing
• Use of pool cars
• Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty