About the role

The Business Support Officer plays a crucial part in supporting the Statutory Planning Business Unit to align with the organisational objectives outlined within the City of Swan Strategic Community Plan. By delivering efficient, timely and precise planning and business support services, the position ensures adherence to established business processes and regulatory obligations within the Planning Legislative Framework. This commitment to compliance fosters good governance and contributes to the creation of high-quality built environment.

The Business Support Officer position is available as a full-time fixed-term role until October 2025; however consideration will be given to part-time arrangements. You will be responsible for the efficient, timely and accurate based administrative support services within the Statutory Planning Business Unit through the facilitation and delivery of successful outcomes including the provision and adherence to specific regulatory support functions.

This is your chance to build a strong foundation in statutory planning while contributing to the successful operation of the Statutory Planning Business Unit at the City. Work closely with experienced planners and professionals to deepen your understanding of local government planning processes and build valuable connections within the planning industry and local government sector.

Key Accountabilities include, but are not limited to;

• Administrative Support for Planning Applications: Provide direct support in the scanning, validation, registration, lodgement, processing, and maintenance of planning applications, referrals, further information requests, notices, and determinations. Assist in verifying and maintaining property records to ensure accurate linkage of planning determinations to current and historical properties.
• Support for Referrals, Advertising, and Public Consultation: Assist technical officers with the preparation, lodgement, and processing of referrals and advertising documents. Manage online content for public consultation, including the registration, maintenance, and acknowledgement of submissions, and ensure timely publication of agendas and minutes.
• Financial and Payment Processing: Process, manage, and reconcile Statutory Planning payments and refunds, including advertising invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with financial procedures.
• General Administrative Duties: Perform routine administrative tasks such as photocopying, preparing letters, distributing correspondence, and responding to basic planning-related enquiries. Provide job-sharing support within the Business Support team and assist in maintaining public notice boards, internet, and intranet content.
• Continuous Improvement and Relief Support: Assist in the development and implementation of improved administrative procedures and practices. Provide overflow administrative support to the Business Unit as required and act in the Business Services Officer or Senior Business Support/PA role when necessary.
• Legal and Regulatory Support: Assist with the processing and lodgement of legal documents, including caveats, encumbrances, and easements, as well as supporting Development Assessment Panel and State Development Assessment Unit applications and related legal matters.
• Meeting Coordination and Documentation: Support the preparation, distribution, and maintenance of agendas and minutes for advisory and internal meetings, ensuring accurate documentation and efficient record-keeping.

About you

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Certificate in Secretarial Studies or a minimum of Certificate IV Business Administration or equivalent
• Current students pursuing a degree in Urban & Regional Planning are also encouraged to apply.
• Ability to read and interpret planning information including (but not limited to) plans, determinations, referrals, technical documents and legal documents.
• Proficiency and intermediate computer literacy skills in the use Microsoft Office suite products in word processing, formatting and excel spreadsheets and document management.

For more information about the role please refer to the position description.

About working with us

The salary for this position will be from $69,915.13 to 83,592.84 per annum (pro rata if applicable), per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

You will also enjoy benefits including

• Flexibility to balance work and life
• Excellent leave entitlements e.g. purchase additional leave, Local Government public holiday
• Generous Superannuation contributions up to a total combined 16.5%
• Comprehensive employee wellness program
• Generous study assistance (terms and conditions apply)
• Free parking options available
• Travelsmart allowance to support public transport use or cycling to work

About the City

The City of Swan, located north east of Perth, is the largest local government by land size in the Perth metropolitan area, and has one of the fastest growing populations.

The City covers an area of 1,042 square kilometres, equivalent to almost 20 per cent of the Perth metropolitan area. A beautifully diverse expanse of land, the City is rich in natural assets, including the iconic Swan River and internationally renowned Swan Valley viticulture region established in 1829.

Our location, services and facilities make the City an attractive place to live. The population across our 42 suburbs stands at 168,334 in 2023, but is set to reach 300,000 by 2050.

The Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation have been the traditional custodians of the land for more than 40,000 years. The Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) holds enormous cultural significance for the Noongar people. The City is also rich in European history, and our community is a melting pot of multiculturalism, with one in three people being born overseas and one in five speaking a language other than English at home. Our ideal location, significant history, diverse community and strong economy ensures a positive future for the City of Swan, full of opportunity.

Our purpose at the City is to improve the quality of life for all of the people who live in, work in and visit the City of Swan by delivering our vision of ‘one city, diverse people, culture and places’ through shared values of respect, excellence, accountability and leadership.

At the City of Swan we are committed to recruiting and retaining the right people and creating a great place to work. We offer our employees real careers, real impact, and real rewards.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ+, with disability, a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and people of all ages.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Lyn Bridges on 08 9267 9289.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact our friendly People Services team on 9267 9145

To apply please submit a cover letter that outlines your qualifications and experience and why you would be a good fit for this role, and a resume via the link.

Closing Date: Friday, 11 April at 11:00pm AWST.

The City of Swan reserves the right to commence shortlisting and interviews earlier than the closing date. The City also reserves the right to close the vacancy early therefore if you are interested in this position, please submit an application as early as possible.