About the Opportunity

At PMHC every employee plays a part in ensuring we work together to achieve positive outcomes for our community. To help us achieve this, we are seeking applications from enthusiastic and proactive individuals wishing to commence a career as a Cadet Planner. In this role, you'll gain hands-on experience working alongside experienced professionals in our Development Assessment team, contributing to real planning outcomes for our growing region.

This full-time, two-year cadetship offers paid study time, and a structured development pathway designed to complement your formal education and accelerate your transition into the workforce. You'll build practical skills while working on a diverse range of development assessment activities that directly shape the future of our community.

As part of our team, you'll gain practical experience in:

• Assessing development applications in line with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and related legislation
• Supporting customer service delivery, including supporting counter duty and assisting with responding to development assessment and town planning enquiries
• Preparing materials and attending Development Assessment Panel and pre-lodgement meetings
• Supporting compliance investigations and enforcement follow-up
• Contributing to Land and Environment Court documentation
• Undertaking research and assisting with team planning projects

Whether you're entering your final or second-last year of study in 2026, this opportunity offers genuine, career-building experience in local government planning.

We are looking for individuals who are:

• Starting either their second-last year or final year of study of a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning (or equivalent) in 2026
• Keen to apply what they have learned in practical situations
• Strong communicators with a willingness to learn
• Customer-focused and keen to contribute to community-focused outcomes
• Organised and proactive in managing both work and study commitments
• Have had previous work experience (in any field)

Remuneration and Benefits:

Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term cadetship (up to 2 years, 35 hours/week)

Salary (exclusive of super): Starting from $1,069.50 to $1,17.30 per week depending on year of study

Benefits:

• Paid study time to support your university commitments
• On-the-job technical training and mentoring from experienced planners
• Flexible work arrangements - hybrid working and flexi-time
• Discounted gym membership through membership to Fitness Passport
• Career development opportunities
• Annual salary increase as per the Local Government (State) Award 2023 plus annual salary review
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Generous employee assistance program
• Salary packaging options available through Salary Packaging Australia and Maxxia
• Recognition through our annual awards ceremony celebrating and rewarding staff achievements

Why join us?

This is more than just a student job, it's your first step into a purposeful planning career. Get paid while you study, gain real-world planning experience, and make a difference in shaping the future of your community. Grow your future with Port Macquarie Hastings Council!

You must be an Australian/NZ citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident; no visa or work permit support can be provided for this role.

Questions?

If you'd like more information about this opportunity, please contact Patrick Galbraith-Robertson, Development Assessment Planning Manager on 02 6581 8037.

Information Session

If you're interested in learning more about the recruitment process and what to expect, as well as hearing from current and former trainees/apprentices, we invite you to join us at the Glasshouse on September 16th at 6:00 PM. Please register for this event using the following link: Registration for Entry Pathways Information Session (2026 Intake)

Recruitment Timeline

Applications close Wednesday 01 October 2025 at 11:30pm. To apply, please answer the application questions and attach your resume.

Following the application period, the recruitment process will include:

• Interviews: 10th - 14th November 2025
• Employment Commences: 28th January 2026

(Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address [email protected] and Pulse email [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.)

Suitable candidates may be placed on a talent pool or eligibility list for future identical, or similar positions for a period of 12 months.

Please upload documents in PDF format.

We often ask our preferred applicants to complete pre-employment checks. This may include: Reference Checks; National Criminal Police Check; Medical Assessment; Qualification Verification; Working with Children Check Verification.

PMHC's recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview).

Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address [email protected] and Pulse email [email protected] is set to 'trustworthy'.

Port Macquarie Hastings Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.

At Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, we believe that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to creating a workplace that reflects the vibrant community we serve—where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, please contact us at [email protected].We're here to support you every step of the way.