Specialist Planner

City of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & cultural leave

Flexible work

Public transport access

Leadership program

Education reimbursement

Conferences courses

Long service awards

Counselling service

Job summary

The City of Sydney is seeking a skilled and motivated Specialist Planner to join our Planning Assessments Team. You’ll assess development applications and ensure proposals meet statutory requirements, City policies and Central Sydney Planning Committee objectives.

You’ll work with applicants, landowners and the public to provide clear guidance and lead complex planning discussions, ensuring timely decisions and high-quality outcomes for our city.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning, Architecture, Urban Design or related field.
• Experience assessing complex planning, heritage, and urban design issues for development applications.
• Experience in local government is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess development applications to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and city policies.
• Provide advice to applicants, landowners and the public on planning assessments.
• Collaborate with City of Sydney and Central Sydney Planning Committee to meet objectives.

Skills

Urban planning

Heritage planning

Urban design

Education

Urban Planning degree

Job description

Caring for our city, creating a future for all

Our people are passionate about their communities and connected to their teams. They’re motivated by our genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and our clear, compelling plan for our global city: Sustainable Sydney 2030 - 2050 Continuing the Vision.

Be part of a purpose-led organisation with care at its core. You’ll make a difference by acting in the best interests of our communities and city. Be better together with collaborative and inclusive partnerships. Embrace possibilities and be open to new ideas and creating bold solutions.

About the role

The City of Sydney is seeking a skilled and motivated Specialist Planner to join our Planning Assessments Team. The team advises the public, applicants and landowners on development applications. These applications range from the small scale such as alterations, additions and changes of use to major residential and commercial development proposals.

You’ll be responsible for the efficient and effective assessment of development related applications to ensure planning and development proposals meet statutory requirements, the City of Sydney’s and Central Sydney Planning Committee policies and objectives.

We’re looking for someone with:

• tertiary qualifications, at degree level in Urban Planning, Architecture, Urban Design or related discipline
• experience in the assessment and resolution of complex planning, heritage and urban design issues associated with development applications, preferably in local government.

This role has the option of a rostered day off each month, known as a 19-day month.

The recommended applicant must complete a pre-employment health declaration and criminal history check.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Wednesday 11 November 2026.

For more information, contact Bill Mackay, Manager Planning Assessments on 02 9265 9***.

What we can offer you

You’ll work with passionate, welcoming and supportive people who care for our communities and create a future for all.

• 3 days of care and cultural leave each year for health and wellbeing activities, cultural and religious days or events of significance
• Collaborative approach to flexible working
• City centre head office, with many public transport options
• Leadership and management development program
• Further education program providing reimbursement of course fees, and study and exam leave
• Opportunity to attend external courses and conferences
• Long service and employee recognition awards
• Employee assistance program offering free, confidential counselling

Supporting families

We provide 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all new parents, supporting diverse and inclusive families

• Paid and unpaid adoption and long-term fostering leave
• Paid superannuation for up to 52 weeks of parental leave
• Part-time and job-sharing options available
• Supportive return-to-work environment

Inclusive culture

• Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Active employee networks including City Women, City Pride, DiverseCity, Inclusive City, Young Professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network
• Recognised family inclusive workplace

Find out why a career at the City of Sydney might be right for you.