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

The opportunity

We’re seeking a Senior Development Planner to join our collaborative team at Port Stephens Council. With a strong experience base, you will leverage you skills and experience to provide a high level of professional service to Council and the community with respect to the development and use of land.

Working alongside the Principal Development Planner, you will provide assistance to the Development Planning Coordinator, as well as our teams across Engineering, Natural Systems, Compliance and Building.

This is the perfect opportunity for an experienced Development Planner looking to take the next step in their career in a diverse and challenging role.

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: $100,407 to $118,126 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

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

Development Assessment, including assessment of complex development applications and peer review of development applications for the Development Planners and Cadet Planner within the team

Provide a high level of Planning advice to internal stakeholders, the Regional Planning Panel, the Council, community and other Government agencies

Policy formulation/review, including preparation, review and amendment of Development Control Plans, Local Environmental Plans, and Council’s Policies and Procedures

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

Demonstrated extensive knowledge of Planning and Development legislation including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 199 (NSW), the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Development Control Plans, Section 7.11/7.12 Contribution Plans, the Building Code of Australia and related legislation

Effective influencing and negotiation skills, including problem solving and conflict resolution

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

Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it

Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.

PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements

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, 7 September 2025

Contact: Mat Egan, Development Planning Coordinator, on (02) 4988 0121 or 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

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