Strategic Planner

Shoalhaven City Council; Nowra; On-site; AUD 83,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave entitlements

Long service leave after 5 years

Flexitime option for indoor staff

9-day fortnight for outdoor staff

Flexible and remote working

Novated lease arrangements

Professional development and training

Wellbeing programs and EAP

NSW Welcome Experience

Job summary

Shoalhaven City Council is seeking a developing planning professional to join the Strategic Planning Team in Nowra. You will gain hands-on experience managing proponent-initiated planning proposals and contribute to a broad range of strategic planning functions under supervision.

The role involves collaboration across Council, preparation of policy documents, and liaison with stakeholders. Grade 9–11 levels apply, with salary steps and progression based on performance.

Qualifications

• Completion, or near completion, of recognised tertiary qualifications in urban and regional or town planning, providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
• Understanding of the NSW planning system including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and ability to interpret and apply legislation.
• High level understanding of planning legislation and demonstrated competency in working on multifaceted planning issues directly relevant to strategic planning processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist managing proponent-initiated planning proposals (PPs) in accordance with Council and NSW Government guidelines.
• Assist in the preparation of strategic planning and policy documents including structure plans, settlement strategies, environmental studies, planning proposals, local environmental plans and related plans.
• Support the delivery of strategic planning projects and initiatives that contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Planning Section.
• Liaise with other areas of Council to provide planning advice and assist in policy document preparation.
• Review and prepare submissions relating to government agency initiatives, policies and legislation.
• Attend relevant technical and community-based committees as required with supervisors and senior team members.
• Assist the public and other stakeholders with strategic planning enquiries.
• Refer to the Job Description in attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills.

Skills

Licence

NSW planning system

Education

Urban and regional or town planning degree

Job description

• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at the Nowra Administration Building, 36 Bridge Road, Nowra

About the Role

Join the Strategic Planning Team and play a key role in delivering strategic planning outcomes that help shape the future of the Shoalhaven.

This is a developmental opportunity for an emerging planning professional to gain hands‑on experience managing proponent-initiated planning proposals (PPs) and across a broad range of other strategic planning functions. Working closely with experienced team members and reporting directly to the Coordinator - Special Projects Team, your responsibilities will include:

• Assist managing proponent-initiated PPs in accordance with the relevant Council and NSW Government guidelines.
• Assist in the preparation of strategic planning and policy documents, including structure plans, settlement strategies, environmental studies, planning proposals, local environmental plans, development control plans, contribution plans, planning agreements, urban design plans and other policy documents.
• Support the delivery of strategic planning projects and initiatives that contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Planning Section.
• Liaise with other areas of Council to provide planning advice and assist in the preparation of policy documents.
• Review and prepare submissions relating to government agency initiatives, policies and legislation.
• Attend relevant technical and community-based committees as required, alongside supervisors and senior team members.
• Assist the public and other stakeholders with strategic planning enquiries.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

This is a grade range position, therefore in accordance with qualifications, accreditation, experience and demonstrated skills, the prospective employee will be assessed as either Grade 9, 10 or 11.

Grade 9 - $85,830 - $99,916 gross p.a. plus 12% Super

Grade 10 - $94,794 - $108,886 gross p.a. plus 12% Super

Grade 11 - $103,766 - $117,851 gross p.a. plus 12% Super

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

For all grades

• Class C Driver's Licence
• Proof of right to work in Australia

Grade 9

• Completion, or near completion, of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as urban and regional or town planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
• Understanding of the NSW planning system including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and ability to interpret and apply legislation.

Grade 10

• Completion of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as urban and regional or town planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
• Working knowledge of the NSW planning system including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Grade 11

• Completion of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as urban and regional or town planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
• High level understanding of planning legislation and the planning hierarchy and demonstrated competency in working on / resolving multi-faceted planning issues directly relevant to strategic planning processes.
• May have particular expertise in a relevant field, i.e., Planning Proposals, Development Control Plans or Contribution Plans, etc.

We are seeking a collaborative and enthusiastic planning professional with a genuine interest in strategic planning and community outcomes. You will thrive in a team environment and be keen to contribute to a diverse range of planning projects and initiative

Applications Close

Monday, 19 October 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Eric Hollinger - Coordinator, Special Projects Team - 02 4429 3*** (Mon-Thurs)

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work‑life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
• NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.