Graduate Town Planner

Job Title: Graduate Planner

Location: York

An exciting opportunity has arisen for ambitious and motivated graduates to join a leading independent planning, design, and environmental consultancy in their York office. This is an excellent chance to begin your career in town planning within a supportive environment that offers structured training, professional mentorship, and exposure to a wide range of high-quality projects across the UK.

The company prides itself on shaping better futures through professional development, guided learning, and a people-focused culture.

The Role

As a Graduate Planner, you'll work as part of a multidisciplinary team, gaining hands-on experience across development planning and major infrastructure projects, including nationally significant renewable energy schemes.

You'll benefit from a structured APC training programme designed to help you achieve RTPI Chartered Membership, alongside formal project management training and ISO best-practice development. Graduates are given the opportunity to work on award-nominated projects and learn directly from experienced professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing planning applications, pre-application enquiries, and appeals.
• Undertake planning research, appraisals, and policy reviews.
• Draft letters, reports, and documentation under supervision.
• Attend site visits, public consultations, committee meetings, and examinations.
• Support the preparation of fee proposals and contribute to new business opportunities.
• Provide reliable technical input while identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Work collaboratively within project teams to deliver tasks on time and within budget.

About You

• Studying for, or recently completed, an RTPI-accredited degree (or related qualification with the ambition to pursue a career in planning).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive, organised, and professional approach to work.
• Eager to learn and develop technical competence within a collaborative environment.
• A passion for the planning and development industry.

Benefits

This consultancy offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and career progression:

Health & Wellbeing

• Private medical insurance
• BUPA medical cash plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounted gym memberships

Lifestyle & Perks

• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Additional loyalty days for long service
• Hybrid working options
• Retail and lifestyle discounts

Rewards & Recognition

• Company bonus scheme
• Defined promotion windows
• Regular social and team events

Career & Development

• Professional membership fees covered
• Protected CPD time and e-learning access
• Clear progression framework
• Structured project management and ISO best-practice training

Financial Security

• Enhanced company pension
• Death-in-service cover

Interested?Contact Josh Jones at Penguin Recruitment:Email: Phone:

I am also working on a number of Planning roles across the UK and Ireland from Graduate to Director level.