Own your future with a Cadetship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2026!

The opportunity

Our collaborative and reputable Planning team is eager to welcome a Cadet Planner, to continue in sharing their industry knowledge whilst supporting you throughout your journey in becoming a qualified professional in the industry!

If you’re currently enrolled or eligible for enrolment in approved tertiary studies or a related discipline, the Planning Cadetship is the ideal opportunity for you to not only gain invaluable on the job work experience from the team, but to also undertake a Degree in Town Planning.

As our Cadet Planner, you will assess alongside the team a diverse range of exciting and challenging development proposals, as well as provide town planning and development advice to a range of stakeholders. This is a unique opportunity for you to gain cross-team experience in both Development Planning and Strategic Planning, leaving you with a well-rounded technical base at the completion of your studies.

What does a career at PSC look like for me post-Cadetship?

Whilst we can’t guarantee a permanent position post-cadetship, this is what a career path could look like with a Degree behind you:

Cadet Planner

Development Planner or Strategic Planner

You could move into a mentoring position such as a Senior Development Planner or,

Into a specialised Principal Development Planner / Principal Strategic Planner

Or a strategic leadership position such as a Development Planning Coordinator or Strategic Planning Coordinator

This is a contract opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement + access to study leave to attend courses at your formal education provider during work hours

Base Hourly Range: $26.70 to $34.16 (T4 - T7) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance

Under 18 years of age: $19.85 (T2) + 12% superannuation + $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.

Assess development proposals

Provide town planning and development advice in conjunction with your Senior and Principal Development or Strategic Planners

What does it mean to be a Cadet at PSC?

Throughout your Cadetship, you’ll receive;

Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies

Time in your work week to attend your formal training

Progression through your salary levels with each year of successful completion

You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC

Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with other teams across PSC

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

Demonstrated commitment to the completion of a Bachelor / Certificate in Town Planning or related

Access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers

Ability to work in a team environment

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 a career in Planning?

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

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload;

a copy of your resume

provide responses to questions above

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 21 September 2025

For position related enquiries, contact: Mat Egan, Development Planning Coordinator, on 4988 0121

For Application enquiries, contact: Brooke Tisdell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 4988 0589

For information on the Cadetship and study requirements, contact: Tiahna Sanderson, Learning & Development Officer, on 4988 0391

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’

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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