Planner

Northern Beaches Council; Mona Vale; On-site; AUD 96,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rostered days off

Work from home opportunities

Mentorship opportunities

Professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Employee wellness program

Lifestyle benefits

High level of technological innovation

Job summary

Northern Beaches Council is seeking a Planner to join the Development Assessment team. The role focuses on managing multiple planning applications, acting as an expert witness in Land and Environment Court appeals, and engaging with planning panels and stakeholders to deliver timely, high-quality assessments.

You will provide planning guidance, respond to enquiries, and contribute to continuous improvement of systems and tools, while enjoying a comprehensive benefits program and flexible working

Qualifications

• Ability to effectively manage multiple development applications, modification applications and other related applications simultaneously.
• Acting as an expert witness in Land and Environment Court appeals.
• Attending and presenting on applications at planning panels and DSAP.
• Providing planning advice and high level customer service.
• Contributing to continuous improvement of systems and processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate assessment of development applications and related matters to ensure timely, accurate decisions.
• Represent the council in Land and Environment Court matters and associated conferences.
• Present at Local Planning Panel and DSAP meetings as required.
• Respond to planning enquiries and provide guidance to residents and stakeholders.
• Drive improvements in assessment processes and tools.

Job description

Title: Planner,Permanent - Full-time Role, 35hours per week

Salary Range: $96,309.15 to $122981.63 per annum + super (subject to skills and experience)

Who we are:

Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach and Dee Why to Belrose, the Northern Beaches is a fascinating and complex area with beautiful beaches, coastal lakes, vast areas of bushland and boasting iconic landmarks. The area has a population of more than 270,000 residents, is one of Sydney’s best recreational playgrounds and is recognised as having a much desired quality of lifestyle, natural beauty and environmental quality.

Northern Beaches Council strives to deliver the highest quality services to our community and to protect our valuable assets.

Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach and Dee Why to Belrose, the Northern Beaches is a fascinating and complex area with beautiful beaches, coastal lakes, vast areas of bushland and boasting iconic landmarks. The area has a population of more than 270,000 residents, is one of Sydney’s best recreational playgrounds and is recognised as having a much desired quality of lifestyle, natural beauty and environmental quality.

Northern Beaches Council strives to deliver the highest quality services to our community and to protect our valuable assets.

Join us and you’ll be part of an organisation committed to promoting sustainable growth, leading the community, protecting our environment, delivering quality development, and creating a great future for the Northern Beaches.

Northern Beaches Council is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Council acknowledges that protecting the safety of children and young people is a whole of community responsibility and is everyone’s business.

Working with us:

Northern Beaches Council provides a comprehensive range of benefits focused on our employees’ lifestyle, health and wellbeing, recognition and career development. In this role you’ll enjoy -

• Rostered days off scheme
• Health and wellbeing leave
• A culture of supporting continuous professional development
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Work from home opportunities
• Mentorship opportunities available for aspiring leaders
• Genuine work-life balance and flexible working arrangements
• Employee wellness program and a range of lifestyle benefits
• Values based culture and a teams oriented working environment
• High level of technological innovation and systems

Our opportunity:

1. Ability to effectively manage multiple development applications, modification applications and other related applications simultaneously, ensuring timely and accurate assessments are delivered.
2. Acting as an expert witness in Land and Environment Court appeals, including their management and attendance at S34 Conciliation conferences and hearings.
3. Attending and presenting on applications at the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel and Council's Design and Sustainability Advisory Panel (DSAP).
4. Attending to planning enquires, providing planning advice and providing high level customer service to the residents and other stakeholders on the Northern Beaches.
5. Contributing to Continuous Improvement of systems, processes and tools in the assessment of applications and related matters.

About you:

We’re looking for a highly motivated, driven, and focused individual to join our development assessment team. You’ll bring your experience, high level skills and your passion to a large team which is dedicated to making a difference in our community and delivering important natural environment and built form outcomes in a constantly changing planning environment.

Additional Information:

• Expected Interview Date: 12 November 2026
• Questions? Please call the Hiring Manager: Rod Piggott, Manager Development Assessment on 8495 6509

Northern Beaches Council is a diverse and inclusive employer and encourages applications from differently abled candidates. Reasonable adjustments to the workplace may be made where these are required.

If you would like to contact us to discuss your specific circumstances, please contact the hiring manager for this role. If you do not feel comfortable to do so, please contact HR Services on (02) 8495 5***.