Principal Planning Officer

NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 156,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure in Sydney seeks a Principal Planning Officer to lead assessment of State significant projects and provide high-quality planning advice balancing strategic outcomes and statutory requirements. You will work across government to coordinate complex assessments and steward evidence-based decision making.

In a fast-paced environment you will manage challenging matters, engage stakeholders, produce clear reports and contribute to policy

Qualifications

• Extensive experience assessing complex development, infrastructure, housing or environmental proposals in a government or regulatory environment.
• Strong knowledge of environmental planning legislation and statutory assessment processes.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to develop practical solutions.
• Experience preparing high-quality assessment reports, planning advice and conditions of consent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment of complex State significant projects and provide high-quality planning advice.
• Manage complex and contentious matters with sound professional judgement.
• Collaborate with government agencies, councils, industry and communities to resolve issues and deliver evidence-based outcomes.
• Contribute to policy, process and business improvements to strengthen assessment systems.

Skills

Extensive experience

Regulatory experience

Analytical skills

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Policy improvement

Communication skills

Education

Degree in planning/environmental management/engineering

Job description

Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies

• Ongoing full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location based in Parramatta CBD (with flexible working supported)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $155,764 to $181,393 + super

Join the Assessments team and help shape some of NSW’s largest and most complex development projects. This is an opportunity to work on high-profile projects that influence housing, infrastructure and communities across the State, while building your career in a collaborative and supportive environment. You’ll have access to flexible working arrangements, varied and challenging work, and opportunities to contribute to improvements across the planning system.

The role

As a Principal Planning Officer, you will lead the assessment of complex State significant projects and provide high-quality planning advice that balances strategic planning outcomes, government priorities and statutory requirements.

Working in a fast-paced and highly visible environment, you will manage complex and often contentious matters, exercise sound professional judgement and work with government agencies, councils, industry and community stakeholders to resolve issues and deliver robust, evidence-based outcomes.

You will also contribute to policy, process and business improvements that strengthen the efficiency, consistency and integrity of the assessment system.

For more information about this position, read the full Role Description: Principal Planning Officer Assessments

What you will bring to the role

• Extensive experience assessing complex development, infrastructure, housing or environmental proposals in a government, consultancy or regulatory environment.
• Strong knowledge of environmental planning legislation, statutory assessment processes and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify key issues, evaluate complex information and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare high-quality assessment reports, planning advice, recommendations and conditions of consent.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly explain complex planning matters to a range of audiences.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with experience resolving contentious issues and balancing competing interests.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, risks and demanding timeframes.
• Sound professional judgement, resilience and accountability when dealing with complex, sensitive and high-profile matters.
• Experience contributing to policy, business improvement or improvements to assessment processes and practices.

What is an essential requirement:

• Degree in planning, environmental management, engineering or other relevant discipline
• Willingness to travel and (minimum) Class C Driver’s Licence

About Us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property. We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Applications close 11.55pm Sunday 13 th September 2026. Should you require further information about the role please contact Anthony Witherdin on 02 9274 6173 or [e-mail].

Contact the Talent Team via [e-mail] or [phone] - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.