Growth and Planning Officer

Take your career further with a Service that puts people first. 

Being part of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) isn’t just about fighting fires—it’s about also making a difference through innovation, technology and collaboration. We’re looking for a Growth and Planning Officer.  This is your chance to apply your skills where it really matters.  If you're looking for a role where you can make a real difference all the while growing your career, CFRS could be the perfect place for you.

Salary: £38,319 - £42,749 pro rata, pa

Hours: 24 hrs per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract – Two Years

Location: Service Headquarters, Huntingdon 

Hybrid Working - we offer a flexible, agile, hybrid working pattern where you can work from home, as well as from Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service and other locations around Cambridgeshire. This role may be accommodated flexibly around council planning meetings and other engagements, with a requirement to work a minimum of one day per week in the office.

Why Choose CFRS? 

At CFRS, our people are our greatest strength. We take pride in our culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional development. 

A Service that values you: 
94% of our employees care about the future of CFRS 
88% are proud to work for CFRS 
78% would recommend CFRS as a great place to work 

A culture that inspires and motivates: 
81% of our people would still like to be working here in two years’ time 
83% feel motivated to give their best every day 
82% are satisfied with CFRS as an employer 

Opportunities for growth – whether it’s learning new technologies, supporting projects, or gaining industry certifications, we support professional development every step of the way.

A culture of innovation and inclusion – we foster an environment where your ideas matter, and where every individual is valued, included, and empowered to excel.

About the role

In this unique role, you will engage with and foster relationships with local authority planning and economic development departments. This collaboration aims to create a comprehensive understanding of the growth and development needs outlined in development plans throughout the county, which will help inform our Community Risk Management Plan. Additionally, you will focus on securing developer funding through the planning process to help alleviate the impacts of growth on CFRS operations. 

You will work alongside internal departments, other regional fire and rescue services, and blue light partners to ensure a coordinated approach to meeting our operational and funding needs related to growth and development. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work in an agile, dynamic environment, supporting a service that truly impacts the community. 

About You 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, but the ideal person will have: 

• A degree or post graduate qualification in town planning or a related discipline 
• Membership of Royal Town Planning Institute, or eligibility for membership 
• An understanding of local plans and development management processes 
• Knowledge and understanding of planning legislation and policy considerations including national and local policy context for Cambridgeshire
• The ability to communicate effectively through oral and written presentations to a range of audiences 
• The ability to evidence working to tight deadlines with conflicting priorities 
• Experience in town planning or a related team or department 
• A track record in successful management of funding opportunities 
• Full UK Driving Licence   

If you do not fully meet all of these requirements but believe that you can clearly demonstrate in other ways the range of valuable skills, experience, and knowledge recognised as relevant and important to this role, we would welcome hearing from you. 

When You Join CFRS, You’ll Benefit From: 

• Career progression & specialist training – Whether you want to develop new skills, gain qualifications, or advance into leadership, we’ll give you the opportunities to grow. 
• Health & wellbeing support – Your wellbeing matters. We provide access to mental health resources, an Employee Assistance Programme, and occupational health services to support you throughout your career. 
• A culture of inclusion & belonging – We don’t expect you to fit a mould—we want you to bring your whole self to the job.  
• As a Disability Confident Employer, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, with inclusion ambassadors and networks in place to champion every member of our team. 

Additional Rewards & Benefits: 

• 24 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with long service 
• Competitive pension scheme 
• Family-friendly policies, including flexible working 
• Hybrid working options – minimum 1 day per week office-based 
• Free on-site parking (site-specific) 
• Access to Blue Light Discounts at hundreds of retailers and events 

Make the move. Make a difference. Join CFRS today:  

To apply for this opportunity, please review the Recruitment Pack, complete an EDI Form and send your CV and covering Letter (detailing your suitability for the role in line with the person specification held in the recruitment pack) to recruitment@cambsfire.gov.uk   

 *Please note any CVs submitted without a Covering Letter will not be considered.