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

The opportunity

We’re seeking a Strategic Planner to join our team on a contract basis until May 2026.

As a Strategic Planner, you will play a key role in providing support to Council, and our Community, in planning for a sustainable future. As a member of the Strategic Planning Unit, you will contribute to the success of meeting our objectives and actions as outlined within Council’s Delivery Program.

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

Providing practical, plain language advice to Council and the Community as it relates to land use planning and sustainable development

Supporting Council and the Community to navigate the complexities of land use planning

Developing, assessing, and reviewing strategic land use plans and policies, including planning proposals, local land use strategies, local environmental plans, and development control plans

Reviewing and issuing planning certificates

Please Note: secondments from Government, Local Government, and private sector will be considered.

This is a contract opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement

Base Salary Range: $87,392 to $102,814 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $19,364 motor vehicle allowance + $2,464 retention allowance

You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

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 related field or a degree qualification and a relevant graduate qualification

Demonstrated knowledge of Planning and Environment legislation, particularly Strategic Planning and Development Assessment under Parts 3 and 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Development Contributions under Part 7 of the Act

This is life at PSC!

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

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…

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

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 31 August 2025

Contact: Liz Lamb, Strategic Planning Coordinator, on (02) 4988 0293 or 0421 887 722

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

We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

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