Cadet Development Assessment Planner

Play a key role in assessing development applications and shaping Willoughby’s urban landscape

2-year part-time cadetship starting January 2026, offering hands-on planning experience

Hourly rate $33.85 plus 12% Superannuation (Trainees)

Make a Difference Where You Work

Take the next step in your planning career with Willoughby City Council. As a Cadet Development Assessment Planner, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals, applying your studies to real development applications and supporting the delivery of quality outcomes for our community.

Why Join Us?

Mentorship & Support: Receive expert guidance to help translate your university learning into real-world skills.

Community Impact: Help shape the built environment and contribute to projects that enhance how people live, work and connect in Willoughby.

Work-Life Balance: Access flexible work arrangements including hybrid options, wellness initiatives, and a supportive culture that understands student commitments.

Career Progression: Build valuable skills in development assessment, stakeholder communication and legislative interpretation to set yourself apart in the job market.

About the Role

As a Cadet Development Assessment Planner, you will:

Ensure safety is your first priority.

Assist with the assessment and determination of development applications.

Conduct site inspections related to applications and respond to correspondence within Council’s policy timeframes.

Provide memoranda to and maintain effective communication with other Council units

Work within the Planning Unit and collaborate with other Council members including engineers, compliance officers, landscape officers, heritage advisor, community services unit and administrative staff.

Use computer software to ensure efficient, accurate, and consistent reporting.

Undertake Duty Planner duties and other tasks as directed, within your skills.

What You’ll Bring

Currently pursuing a Planning Degree (or related field) with at least two years completed

Some experience interpreting NSW planning regulations, including the Environmental Planning Assessment Act 1979 and Local Government Act 1993.

Strong analytical skills to interpret planning information effectively

Effective communication skills to engage with professionals, industry, community groups, and individuals.

Team-oriented with strong customer and delivery focus

Willingness to learn

Current NSW Class C or Provisional (P) Drivers Licence

Desirable

Basic knowledge of the Development Assessment Process

How to apply

Visit https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-with-us/Careers to apply or learn more including all about the range of benefits on offer at Willoughby.

For more information, contact Caitlin McNally, Development Assessment Team Leader, at [email protected] or on 02 9777 7625.

Applications should address all of the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

Applications close: Sunday, 10 August 2025 at 11.30 pm

Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.