Senior Development Assessment Officer

Parramatta City Council; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 126,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Parental leave

Learning & development

Discounted parking

Job summary

City of Parramatta is seeking two Senior Development Assessment Officers to join our dynamic team in a hybrid, full-time capacity. You will assess development applications, mentor junior planners, and manage DA projects from inception to decision, delivering clear, high-quality reports and professional planning advice.

The role requires extensive DA experience, strong report-writing skills, and the ability to act in appeals in NSW Land and Environment Court.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in assessment, management and processing of Development Applications.
• Strong ability to produce high-quality written reports and submissions.
• Experience in managing and appearing in NSW Land and Environment Court appeals.

Responsibilities

• Process development applications and provide planning advice.
• Mentor and inspire student and junior planners.
• Project manage development applications and manage stakeholder expectations.
• Prepare and present high-quality written reports.
• Provide professional planning advice in writing and verbally.
• Represent Council in external planning forums when required.
• Step up as Team Leader when needed and lead with confidence.
• Identify complex development issues and develop solutions across proposals.

Skills

Development Applications

Written reports

Appeals in NSW Land and Environment Ct

Education

Degree in Town Planning

Driver's Licence (Class C)

Job description

Work type: 35hrs per week | Hybrid working conditions
Salary: $126,222 to $138,997 + 12% superannuation
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
Vacancies: Two (2) permanent opportunities
Closing date: 9pm, Monday, 5 October 2026

The City of Parramatta is in the midst of significant growth and transformation. With a community that brings together many cultures, skills and stories, a changing skyline and new investments, this is an exciting time to be part of the journey. Parramatta 2050 gives us a clear picture of where we’re heading; a connected, creative and sustainable City with opportunities for everyone. Every role at City of Parramatta contributes to this next chapter, helping us build a strong, thriving Parramatta for the people who live, work and spend time here.

About the role
We're on the lookout for two dynamic and experienced Senior Development Assessment Officer's to join our vibrant team. If you're passionate about shaping the future of our city, this is the role for you!

In this role you will:

• Process development applications and provide top-notch planning advice.
• Mentor and inspire student and junior planners within the team.
• Project manage development applications in a time-efficient manner, managing stakeholder expectations and needs in line with Council practices
• Manage and present high-quality written reports
• Provide professional written and verbal planning advice
• Represent Council in external planning forums when required.
• Step up as Team Leader when needed and lead with confidence.
• Identify complex development issues and development solutions across a range of development proposals.

What’s on offer

We offer a competitive remuneration package from $126,222,38 to $138,997.20 plus 12% superannuation.

Two (2) Permanent Full Time opportunities

Participation in Council’s Motor Vehicle Scheme may be available for this role and will be discussed with the preferred candidates.

Your employee experience with City of Parramatta includes:

• Flexibility: Hybrid working conditions, flexi‑time scheme, additional leave over the Christmas period
• Leave: 14 weeks paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave, Long service leave after 5 years
• Wellbeing: Employee led networks (ERGs), Fitness passport, Flu vaccinations, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Ongoing wellbeing initiatives, Health insurance discounts.
• Location & Convenience: Central Parramatta location, discounted parking, Novated leasing available
• Growth: Learning and development programs, leadership pathways, free LinkedIn Learning

About you
The successful candidate is someone who brings extensive experience in the assessment, management, and processing of Development Applications in a diverse environment like ours.

• Extensive experience in the assessment, management, and processing of Development Applications in a diverse environment like ours. Five (5) years preferred, but if you don't meet this, we still encourage you to apply!
• Strong skills in producing high-quality written reports and submissions.
• Experience in managing and acting in appeals in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

To be considered for this role, you must meet the essential requirements in the Position Description, including the below Qualifications/Licences:

• Degree in Town Planning or a related field.
• Current Class C Drivers Licence.

Want to know more?

Review our Values Flyer to learn more about the behaviours that guide how we work. Further details about this role can be found in the Position Description. For a confidential discussion, please contact Myfanwy McNally via ************************************.

How we work: Inclusion & Belonging
At the City of Parramatta, inclusion and belonging are central to how we work. We're building a workforce that reflects our diverse community and value different perspectives and lived experiences. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people living with disability, people of all ages, women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, ADF veterans, and others who bring unique perspectives.

We are committed to a fair, inclusive, and accessible recruitment process and support reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment and employment – contact ************************************** for a confidential discussion.

Eligibility:
Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident in Australia to apply for this position. Applicants holding valid visas may be considered for Casual or Term contracts subject to their visa work conditions.