Cadet Development Planner

Careers at Council; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition fees paid

Paid study leave

4 weeks annual leave

35-hour work week with flexible hours

Mentoring and development pathway

Annual salary reviews

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council invites applications for a Cadet Development Planner based in Wallsend, with travel across the Lake Macquarie region. The program runs up to four years, offering hands-on planning experience, mentoring, and support to complete your degree while serving the community.

You’ll gain exposure to development assessment, customer service, and regulatory processes, while continuing university study online or in person. This is a structured pathway into a planning career.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Town Planning, Bachelor of Development Studies, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.
• Preferred majors include Town Planning, Environmental Science, Urban and Regional Development, Geography.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience assessing development applications and helping shape the future of Lake Macquarie.
• Participate in planning projects with on-the-ground community impact.
• Learn how planning legislation, policies, and development controls are applied in practice.
• Assist customers, developers, and the community with planning enquiries and advice.
• Contribute to research and policy reviews to shape future planning in Lake Macquarie.
• Work alongside experienced planning professionals who will mentor your development.
• Build the confidence to take initiative and grow into a planning career.

Skills

Town Planning

Environmental Science

Urban and Regional Development

Geography

Education

Diploma of Town Planning

Bachelor of Development Studies

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Job description

Qualifications: Diploma of Town Planning, Bachelor of Development Studies, Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Preferred areas of study / majors: Town Planning, Environmental Science, Urban and Regional Development, Geography

Salary: starting from $1,153.93 per week to $1,322.76

Commencing: January 2027

Ready to launch your career in town planning? Join Lake Macquarie City Council as a Cadet Development Planner and gain practical experience, professional mentoring, and support to complete your studies while making a real difference in our community.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a unique opportunity to learn from experienced planning professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and build a rewarding career helping shape the future of our city and one of Australia's most vibrant regions.

This cadetship is offered for up to four years, during which we'll support you to complete your relevant degree or qualification. Through a combination of on-the-job learning, mentoring, and university study, you'll gain experience across town planning, development assessment, customer service, and regulatory processes. Study can be completed online or in person through your chosen university.

In this role, you'll:

• Gain hands-on experience assessing development applications and helping shape the future of Lake Macquarie.
• Participate in planning projects that have on-the ground impacts our community.
• Learn and experience how planning legislation, policies, and development controls are applied in practice.
• Assist customers, developers, and the community with planning enquiries and advice.
• Contribute to research and policy reviews to shape the future of planning in Lake Macquarie.
• Work alongside experienced planning professionals who will mentor and support your development.
• Build the confidence to take initiative, solve problems, and grow into a successful planning career.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Receive a wage whilst studying towards a qualification starting from$1,153.93 to $1,322.76 per week plus 12 per cent superannuation
• Payment of your university tuition fees and student amenities fees for the remainder of your degree or qualification!
• Reduced study load requirements, giving so you more time to immerse yourself in practical, on-the-job learning.
• Paid study leave and time to attend compulsory classes, helping you successfully balance work and university commitments
• Hands-on experience working on planning projects that help shape our community
• Ongoing mentoring and support from experienced planning professionals
• A structured learning and development pathway to help you build a successful career
• Annual salary reviews and progression opportunities based on performance
• A 35-hour working week with flexible working opportunities, giving you more time for life outside work
• Four weeks of paid annual leave each year
• A supportive, collaborative, and innovative team environment where your ideas are valued
• Access to a wide range of employee health, wellbeing, and lifestyle benefits - clickherefor more.

ABOUT YOU

Are you passionate about shaping the future of communities and building a career in planning and development? We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual who is eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution while completing their studies.

To be successful in this role, you will:

• Eligible to enrol in the second year (or subsequent year) of your Bachelor Degree or Graduate Diploma in 2027, in,Town Planning, Urban Planning, Development Studies, Environmental Management, Geography,or another related discipline.
• Possess strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Appropriate language, literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills to manage the educational and professional requirements of the cadetship.
• Demonstrate the ability to negotiate outcomes, and solve problems.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Be committed to completing all training and study requirements associated with the cadetship.
• Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a supportive and high-performing team.
• Hold a minimum Provisional Driver Licence.

The position is based in Wallsend and includes travel throughout the Lake Macquarie local government area.

Read thePosition StatementandCapability Frameworkto learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Candidates who have already completed a qualification at degree level or above in Town Planning, Urban Planning, Development Studies, Environmental Management, Geography, or a related discipline may not be eligible to apply.

We welcome and encourage applications
from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees,
and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans
can bring to our Council.

As part of the recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment
being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which
may include alcohol and other drugs testing.