Principal Planning Officer

the original; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 156,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in NSW is seeking a Principal Planning Officer in Parramatta to lead the assessment of State significant projects and deliver robust, evidence-based planning advice.

You will work with government agencies, councils, industry and communities, shaping housing, infrastructure and communities while contributing to policy and process improvements in a collaborative, flexible environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience assessing complex development, infrastructure, housing or environmental proposals in a government, consultancy or regulatory environment.
• Strong knowledge of environmental planning legislation and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with evidence-based solutions.
• Ability to prepare high-quality assessment reports, planning advice and conditions of consent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assessment of complex State significant projects.
• Provide high-quality planning advice balancing strategic outcomes and statutory requirements.
• Manage contentious matters with stakeholders to deliver robust outcomes.
• Contribute to policy, process and business improvements in the assessment system.
• Prepare assessment reports and recommendations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in planning or related discipline

Job description

Principal Planning Officer Current Jobs Parramatta, NSW, AU

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:

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.

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. 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'.

Applications close 11.55pm Wednesday 9th September 2026. Should you require further information about the role please contact Anthony Witherdin on 02 9274 6173 or Anthony. [e-mail].

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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.