Student/Graduate Planner

Careers at Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Inner West Council seeks a Student/Graduate Planner in Sydney to assist with processing development applications and providing planning guidance. You will support compliance with environmental planning and related acts while learning Council policies and procedures.

The role is suitable for students or recent graduates in town planning, offering exposure to development assessment, advisory services, and a flexible working environment as part of a dynamic local government team.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in town planning field.
• Strong verbal and writing skills.
• Research and analysis skills in town planning.
• NSW Class C Driver’s Licence.
• Commitment to quality customer service.

Responsibilities

• Process development and related planning applications submitted to Council under relevant Acts and policies.
• Respond to verbal and written requests for advice concerning development matters.

Skills

Verbal communication

Writing skills

Research and analysis

Driver’s Licence

Customer service

Education

Town planning degree

Job description

Inner West Council (IWC) is among Sydney’s larger local metropolitan local government councils looking after a community of 201,000 people living in some of the inner city’s most vibrant, creative, liveable, and diverse suburbs. As we continue to deliver quality, innovative, and inclusive programs and services, we invite you to join in on our journey towards becoming the best council for our community.

The community is at the heart of IWC, and our values ofIntegrity,Respect,Innovation,CompassionandCollaborationare at the centre of everything that we do.

We offer flexible career life balance with hours that allow you to relax and recharge.We offer a variety of flexible work arrangement options(e.g. flexible hours and working from home) where appropriate giving you even greater quality of work life balance.

Permanent employees benefit from our great valuegym membership from $18.65/weekgiving access to a vast network of gyms in Sydney.

About the role

The Student / Graduate Planner role is intended for students and recent graduates who are either currently undertaking or recently completed their studies in town planning. The purpose of the roles are:

• To efficiently and effectively process development and associated applications submitted to Council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Local Government Act, and related legislation in accordance with Council's policies and procedures.
• To respond to verbal and written requests for advice concerning development matters, including formal Pre-Development Application advice.

Please note that the commencement date for this role is flexible

Remuneration

Student:Award Prescribed (up to$60,834.80)

Graduate:$89,733.28 - $101,515.44 + 12% Superannuation

Some of the required skills, experience and qualifications

• Substantial commencement or recent completion of tertiary qualifications in a town planning related field.
• High standard of verbal communication and writing skills.
• Skills in research and analysis of town planning related issues.
• NSW Class C Driver’s Licence
• Commitment to quality customer service.

Enquiries

Christian Hemsley, Team Leader E-Planning (Acting) on 9392 5706

Closing Date

Sunday 11 October 2026, 11:30PM

All new workers must be and remain fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to beginning their work or hold a valid medical contraindication.

Eligibility for employment/Pre employment Checks

Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and agree to provide information for pre-employment checks as required for the position. This may include police records checks, certified copies of relevant qualifications, Driver’s Licence and proof of work rights in Australia (please refer to the Position Description for the specific qualifications/requirements for the role). Copies of any sighted documents will be kept by IWC for its records as proof of verification.

For more information about work rights in Australia please visit theDepartment of Home Affairswebsite.

Inner West Council is proud to be an inclusive and equitable employer

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to reflecting the diversity of our community. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ people, veterans, young people, and mature age workers.

This commitment to diversity and inclusion is one of the many reasons we were named the 2023 AR Bluett Award Winner as the most progressive council in NSW. We’re also proud recipients of the 2023 Australian Business Awards Employer of Choice and the 2025 NSW Local Government Excellence Award for Organisational Diversity and Inclusion.

Reasonable Adjustment Assistance

IWC are intent on respecting the rights and improving opportunities for people with disability. Should you require adjustments or support for your application and throughout the recruitment process and beyond, please