Specialist Planner

Careers at Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 121,000 - 148,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Parental leave

Employee assistance program

Public transport access

Job summary

The City of Sydney is seeking a skilled Specialist Planner to join the Planning Assessments Team. The role focuses on efficient assessment of development applications, ranging from alterations and changes of use to major residential and commercial proposals.

You will advise the public, applicants and landowners to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and city policies. A degree in urban planning or related field and experience in heritage and urban design are required.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning, Architecture, Urban Design or related discipline.
• Experience in the assessment and resolution of complex planning, heritage and urban design issues, preferably in local government.

Responsibilities

• Assess and resolve complex planning, heritage and urban design issues in development applications.
• Advise the public, applicants and landowners on development assessments to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and policies.

Skills

Planning assessment experience

Heritage & urban design

Education

Degree in Urban Planning/Architecture/Urban Design or related discipline

Job description

City Planning/Planning Assessments/City Planning, Development & Transport

Full Time/Permanent

Sydney

City Planning/Planning Assessments/City Planning, Development & Transport

Full Time/Permanent

$134,910 per annum plus superannuation

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.

Download position description.

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 by11:59pm, 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.

Flexible working

• 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

Professional development

• 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
• Veteran employment supporter

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds in a workplace as diverse as our communities. We’re passionate about gender balance, with an executive team two‑thirds female and half of leadership roles held by women.

All applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, veterans and people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to join us.

We’re a disability confident recruiter. If you identify as a person with disability and require support for your application or the recruitment process, contact us *************@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.auor 02 9265 9***.

Find out why acareer at the City of Sydneymight be right for you.