Senior Development Assessment Officer

Be at the forefront of assessing major development applications impacting our vibrant community

Permanent full-time role with flexible work options, including WFH and RDO scheme

Salary from $113,171.04 to $122,002.39 p.a. + 12% Superannuation (Grade J)

Make a Difference Where You Work

As a Senior Development Assessment Officer at Willoughby City Council, you'll help shape the future of our neighbourhoods and public spaces through thoughtful planning and informed development decisions. Your expertise will support sustainable growth, protect local character, and contribute to well-designed outcomes. Join a professional team that values collaboration, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for the community — all while enjoying a supportive and flexible work culture.

Why Join Us?

Meaningful Work: Contribute to sustainable urban growth and help shape the character of our city

Professional Growth: Advance your planning career with access to specialist training, mentorship, and opportunities to lead complex projects

Collaborative Culture: Work with a diverse and skilled team that values innovation and integrity

Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a 35-hour week with supportive policies that prioritise wellbeing

About the Role

As a Senior Development Assessment Officer, you will:

Assess and determine complex development applications

Attend and prepare accurate reports on applications under delegation for the Willoughby Local Planning and Sydney North Planning panels.

Undertake site inspections, prioritising safety in all work and site activities

Provide expert technical advice to Council clients in role as a planner

Use computer software to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in advice and reporting

Exercise delegated authority to approve or refuse applications per Council policy, responding to correspondence

Work within the Planning Unit and consult with Council members including engineers, building surveyors, landscape officers, heritage advisors, community services, and administrative staff.

Liaise with Council Solicitors, prepare documentation for the Land and Environment Court proceedings, and appear as an expert witness on behalf of Council.

Act as Duty Planner, providing expert advice to customers and applicants of Pre-Lodgement meetings

Mentor and support junior planning staff, conduct peer reviews of development applications

What You’ll Bring

Tertiary qualification in Town Planning and/or significant relevant experience

Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook at an intermediate level

Extensive experience in assessing and determining development applications

Strong knowledge of the Environmental Planning Assessment Act, Local Government Act 1993, and related legislation

Eligible for membership with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a strong customer and delivery focus

Willingness to learn and provide input into organisational improvements

Current Class C Driver’s Licence

Desirable:

Knowledge or Experience in Local or State Government or similar environments

Thoroughness in accurately following adopted assessment procedures (e.g. notification, checking plans against development requirements.

Experience in development assessments within NSW Local Government

Experience in processing subdivision certificates

Training and experience in the application of urban design principles

Experience in strategic planning

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 Ritu Shankar, Development Planning Team Leader, at [email protected] or on 02 9777 7612.

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, 17 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.