A great lifestyle in a treasured environment, this is life at PSC!

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The opportunity

We’re seeking an experienced Development Planner to join our team in this technical advice role!

As Principal Development Planner, you will be the go-to within the team for high level planning advice, liaising with internal employees, elected Council Members, community, and the development industry. With well-developed technical skills, you will work on highly complex development applications; represent Council at the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel and act as Council’s expert town planner within legal matters.

This is the perfect opportunity to step into a technical lead role with exposure to a diverse touchpoint of stakeholders within Local Government.

This is a permanent opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement such as a 9-day fortnight

Base Salary Range: $108,096 to $127,167 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $18,619.19 motor vehicle allowance + $2,312 retention allowance

You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

Customer Service to the elected Council, internal Council officers, and community members with regard to Planning and Development advice

Development Assessment, including assessment of highly complex development applications under delegated authority or reported to the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel / Council, as well as associated tasks

Development Advice, including submissions to the Department of Planning for State significant projects

High level planning advice to all stakeholders, both internal and external

Police formulation and review, including the preparation, review and amendment of DCP’s, LEPs, and Council Policies, Procedures, and templates

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

A degree qualification in Planning or a related field with several years of experience + post graduate qualifications in planning, or relevant field

Demonstrated knowledge of planning and development legislation including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), and the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)

Experience in legal case management

This is life at PSC!

Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu

Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years

Paid Parental Leave so you can spend more time with your new little human

Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program

Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance

Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre

Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café

And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals?

Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 20 July 2025

Contact: Mat Egan, Development Planning Coordinator, on 0459 938 107

For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values

We’re a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

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Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care

We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together