Town Planner

Town Planner – Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd

Join to apply for the Town Planner role at Nicholas O'Dwyer Ltd

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

At Nicholas O'Dwyer, sustainability is at the core of our work. With a proven track record over 90 years, we are committed to creating a sustainable planet and inviting you to be part of our team.

We are seeking a Town Planner with at least 4 years post‑qualification consultancy or public sector experience to work on challenging and exciting infrastructure projects across various sectors including water services, renewables, ports and harbours, aviation, flooding and climate change resilience. Exceptional candidates with fewer than 4 years’ experience who meet the key criteria will also be considered.

• Preparing and coordinating planning applications (LA and SID), pre‑planning consultations, responding to Further Information Requests, planning appeals and third‑party appeals, and planning compliance submissions.
• Carrying out the technical review of planning drawings.
• Conducting Article 9 reviews of exempted development.
• Coordinating Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR), Strategic Environment Assessments (SEA), Planning Reports and environmental reports.
• Reviewing Appropriate Assessments (Screening Reports and Natura Impact Statements).
• Formulating effective planning and development strategies.
• Consulting and liaising with statutory and non‑statutory bodies, local authorities, government agencies and An Coimisiún Pleanála.
• Organising and managing sub‑consultants and sub‑contractors for surveys and specialist studies contributing to projects.
• Providing expert planning advice to our in‑house engineers and clients.
• Providing technical input to environmental assessment projects including background research, data collection, analysis and assessment.
• Assisting in the preparation of licences and permits.
• Assisting in the preparation of tender submissions.
• Developing excellent relationships with clients and attending meetings with clients and design teams, when necessary.

• Full membership of a professional body (e.g., IPI, RTPI).
• Knowledge of planning law, policy and guidance in Ireland.
• Previous consultancy experience is desirable.
• Experience in preparing and submitting planning applications, drafting planning reports, planning strategies for a wide range of projects.
• Excellent report writing and verbal communication skills.
• Experience delivering positive planning outcomes for clients.
• Experience formulating planning and development strategies for infrastructure projects.
• Ability to interpret environmental reports and data.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent organisational and coordinating skills.
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Self‑motivated, pragmatic, solution‑driven and flexible, with a willingness to actively participate as part of a wider multidisciplinary team.

Our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that transform communities and bring lasting positive change. We provide professional services in engineering design, project management, environment and planning, construction supervision and technical and contract advisory. We are proud to be part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering and technical services business. We value our people, promote innovation and foster a supportive and caring environment for collaboration.

We are committed to inclusivity and to celebrating diversity in our workforce. Join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable and sustainable future for all.