Principal Strategic & Development Assessment Planner

Careers at Council; Griffith City; On-site; AUD 127,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Stable employment

Long service leave after 5 years

Relocation assistance

Career development

Job summary

Griffith City Council is seeking a Principal Strategic and Development Assessment Planner to lead high-level strategic planning and assess significant development applications. The role requires a degree in Town and Regional Planning or related discipline and at least four years of senior-level experience in local/state government or private sector, with strong knowledge of planning legislation.

You will advise Council, stakeholders and the community, promoting sustainable growth while

Qualifications

• Degree in Town and Regional Planning, Urban and Regional Planning or related discipline.
• Minimum four years’ experience at a senior professional level within local or state government and/or private sector.
• Experience in strategic planning and development assessment, with knowledge of planning legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic planning and development assessment expertise to support Griffith City Council’s growth and sustainability.
• Assess significant development applications and major projects with attention to social, economic and environmental impacts.
• Provide specialist planning advice to Council officers, stakeholders and the community while applying regulatory requirements.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Town and Regional Planning degree

Job description

Principal Strategic & Development Assessment Planner

Position Title: Principal Strategic and Development Assessment Planner

Closing Date: 28 September 2026

Salary: Commencement annual salary range from $126,912.24 to $139,601.80 (Grade 21), plus superannuation and a fully maintained leaseback vehicle.

Employment Type: Permanent, (35 hours per week)

About Us

Griffith is located in the heart of the Wiradjuri Nation and is the regional centre of the Western Riverina. The area supports major industries including rice, cotton, poultry, almonds, wine grapes, cereal production, manufacturing, agriculture, construction and food processing. Our people choose to work here because they’re driven to make a meaningful difference in their local community and thrive in a supportive, flexible and collaborative environment.

About the Role

The Principal Strategic and Development Assessment Planner provides high-level strategic planning and development assessment expertise to support the future growth, development and sustainability of Griffith City Council.

The role is also responsible for assessing significant development applications and major projects, with due consideration given to social, economic and environmental impacts, as well as relevant statutory and regulatory requirements. The position will provide specialist planning advice and expertise to Council officers, stakeholders and the community and will support the understanding and application of strategic planning and development assessment principles, processes and legislative requirements.

The successful applicant will hold a degree in Town and Regional Planning, Urban and Regional Planning or a related discipline, together with a minimum of four years’ experience working at a senior professional level within local or state government and/or the private sector. Demonstration experience in strategic planning and development assessment, together with a sound understanding of relevant planning legislation, policy and statutory processes, will be highly regarded.

About You

You’re a collaborative team player who values respect, integrity and shared success. You build strong relationships, communicate openly, and contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace. You take pride in your work, approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset, and are motivated to make a meaningful contribution to your community.

What Griffith City Council Offers

• Flexible working arrangements that enable our people to balance professional success with personal wellbeing
• Stable, secure employment within a trusted and resilient organisation
• Generous leave provisions, including long service leave after 5 years and MyLeave
• Work in collaborative, respectful teams where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed
• Experience a broad range of interesting and impactful work that keeps your role engaging and rewarding.
• Ongoing learning and career development
• Relocation assistance, including The Welcome Experience | NSW Government
• Salary packaging options
• Educational assistance programs

Application Information

Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process, which includes reference, identity, credential, and/or medical history checks. It may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and a NSW Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to the successful clearance of all checks.

Only those with current rights to work in Australia may apply.

Additional Information

For any questions about the role, please contact Joe Rizzo on 1300 176 ***.

Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Child Safe Organisation committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, members of the LGBTIQIA+ community, people of all ages, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Applicants with disability are encouraged to request reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.