• Fixed Term / 12 Month Contract / Full Time
• Salary: $105,927 - $120,707 gross p.a. plus 12% Super
• Leaseback Vehicle available
• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at Nowra Administration Building, 36 Bridge Road, Nowra
• Applications close Thursday, 13 November 2025 (at midnight)

About the Role
The Senior Development Planner is responsible for leading and mentoring planning staff and managing complex development applications, playing a key role in shaping the future of Shoalhaven's built and natural environment. This position is suited to a skilled planning professional who thrives in a collaborative, strategic, and community-focused setting. As a Senior Development Planner, you will:

• Manage and assess development applications of high complexity and value.
• Lead and mentor staff within the Development Services Unit, supporting day-to-day operations and ensuring compliance with legislation and Council policies.
• Provide expert advice and recommendations to the Lead - Development Services.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in planning processes.
• Represent Council in public forums and stakeholder engagements.
• Influence the external perception of Council through professional service delivery and technical expertise.

You'll be reporting directly to the Lead - Development Services and may supervise direct reports.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

About You
To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, or Urban and Regional Planning or appropriate relevant discipline
• Extensive experience in the Local Government environment in the development assessment process / statutory planning process, including the preparation of development applications.
• Be eligible for membership to the Planning Institute of Australia.
• Hold or be eligible to acquire a NSW WorkCover Construction Induction card.
• Current Class C Driver's Licence
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)

We are seeking a confident and capable planner who leads with purpose, communicates with impact, and thrives in a dynamic environment. You'll bring deep expertise in development assessment, a collaborative mindset, and a drive to deliver high-quality outcomes for the community.

How to Apply
To submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.

In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional setting.
2. Please list the relevant qualifications and experience you hold.
3. Briefly describe your experience supervising and supporting teams, how do you approach leadership tasks?
4. Demonstrate your understanding and level of experience with assessing and determining development applications.

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3253.

Applications Close: Thursday, 13 November 2025 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Bruce Gibbs - Manager - Development Services - 02 4429 3527

Why Work with Us
The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9 day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• Opportunity to apply for Flexible Working Arrangements

At Shoalhaven City Council, we are proud to foster a workplace that reflects the diverse community we serve.
We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members to apply.
We are committed to ensuring a equitable recruitment processes. If you have a disability and require reasonable adjustments to fairly demonstrate your skills, please contact us.
As a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to upholding the rights of children and young people and ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.