Full Time – Permanent

Lead innovative, place-focused design projects that influence the region’s growth and identity.

Champion integrated design solutions that foster vibrant, sustainable communities.

Deliver best-practice outcomes across major capital works, urban renewal and strategic. development initiatives.

About the Position

This is a unique and influential opportunity within the Construction and Projects section of the Operations Directorate, focused on shaping the future of South Australia’s largest metropolitan council. The Urban Designer plays a critical role in delivering integrated, high-quality urban design solutions that contribute to vibrant, sustainable and inclusive places for our growing community.

Reporting to the Team Leader Projects, you will provide expert urban design advice and strategic direction across a broad range of Council initiatives. The role requires a multidisciplinary approach, blending urban design expertise with a strong understanding of urban and regional planning, placemaking and project delivery. You will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to embed design excellence into Council’s capital works, renewal, and growth area projects, while also contributing to the development of internal capability in urban design. This is a rare opportunity to lead and influence transformative projects that shape the urban environment and enhance community wellbeing.

About You

You are a strategic thinker and creative problem-solver, with a deep understanding of urban design principles and a passion for shaping high-quality places that enrich communities. With a strong foundation in either urban design, landscape architecture and/or urban and regional planning, you bring demonstrated experience delivering innovative placemaking and urban design solutions across a range of contexts (including activity centres, greenfield developments and urban regeneration projects).

Thriving in collaborative, cross-disciplinary environments, you possess the ability to provide clear, expert advice and design direction to a wide array of stakeholders. Your project management skills are complemented by excellent communication and engagement capabilities, enabling you to build productive relationships with elected members, community groups, state agencies and the development industry. Your work is grounded in a sound understanding of public sector governance and probity, ensuring integrity and transparency in all aspects of project delivery.

Key Selection Criteria:

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

1. Expertise in Urban Design and Placemaking
   Proven knowledge of urban design and placemaking principles, with practical experience delivering integrated design solutions across a variety of contexts, including activity centres, greenfield developments, and urban regeneration projects. A sound understanding of integrated planning and sustainable development is essential.
2. Project Management Capability
   Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from initiation through to completion, including planning, scheduling, consultant coordination, budget management and progress reporting. A track record of delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes is required.
3. Stakeholder and Community Engagement
   Experience engaging with diverse stakeholder groups—including community members, elected representatives and external agencies—particularly in contexts involving competing interests or complex issues. Proven ability to build trust and manage constructive dialogue.
4. Design Communication and Visualisation Skills
   High-level illustration and visual communication skills, with the ability to produce concept sketches, plans, sections, perspectives and presentation drawings that convey urban design ideas clearly and compellingly.
5. Technical Proficiency
   Competence in relevant design and productivity software, including Microsoft Office, MS Project, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D modelling tools such as SketchUp or CAD-based applications.
6. Collaboration and Professional Communication
   Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines and engage effectively with a range of internal and external audiences in a professional public sector environment.

We encourage applicants to contact Emily Kenchington, Team Leader Projects on 0434 878 888 to discuss this opportunity in more detail.

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above.

Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’ s Values and Behaviours.

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact [email protected].

The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications and may also include psychometric testing.

Applications close – 9am Monday 7 July 2025