Cadet Development Planner

Lake Macquarie City Council; Newcastle-Maitland; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wage while studying

Tuition fees paid

4 weeks annual leave

Mentoring program

Flexible hours

35-hour work week

Study leave

Annual salary reviews

Job summary

Lake Macquarie City Council – Wallsend NSW, is inviting applicants for a Cadet Development Planner position to gain practical experience while studying. You will be mentored and supported to complete your degree, while contributing to town planning projects across our vibrant region.

The role offers on-the-job learning across planning assessments, customer service, and regulatory processes, with a structured pathway to build a professional career in town planning.

Qualifications

• Diploma of Town Planning; Bachelor of Development Studies; Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management.
• Enrolment in the second year (or subsequent year) of your Bachelor Degree or Graduate Diploma in 2027.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on experience assessing development applications and helping shape the future of Lake Macquarie.
• Participate in planning projects with on-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 for future planning in Lake Macquarie.
• Work with experienced planning professionals who will mentor your development.
• Build confidence to take initiative and grow into a planning career.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Diploma of Town Planning

Bachelor of Development Studies

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Job description

Lake Macquarie City Council – Wallsend NSW

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

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 the Position Statement and Capability Framework to 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.

Our people shape the future of our city. We’re proud of our city and the work we do to make our city even better for the community, and we know you will be too. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workforce that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative, bold and most importantly – to be yourself! 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.