Student/Graduate Planner

Bayside Council (NSW); Sydney; On-site; AUD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

3 Christmas days off

Sick leave 10 days

MyLeave flexible personal leave

Employee Assistance Program

Fitness Passport

Skin checks and flu vaccinations

Job summary

Bayside Council in Sydney, NSW is offering a Cadet Planner role from Feb 2027 to Feb 2029. You will rotate through Development Assessment and Strategic Planning, gaining hands-on experience in assessing Development Applications and preparing planning documents.

The cadetship is designed to support your planning degree with mentoring, flexible arrangements to fit study, and opportunities to engage with the local community and stakeholders while developing core planning skills.

Qualifications

• Completed a minimum of 1 year of Urban & Regional Planning degree.
• Enrolled in an accredited Bachelor of Town Planning/Urban Planning course at an Australian University.

Responsibilities

• Assess, review and report on development applications to comply with legislation, statutory and control code obligations.
• Undertake research to assist with review and decision-making regarding development application assessments.
• Participate in pre-development application meetings as appropriate.
• Act as Council’s duty planner, including front desk enquiries, DA meetings, site visits and related planning/land use inquiries.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement activities to understand community needs.
• Develop and review statutory and land use plans to ensure growth is appropriately scaled and locally beneficial.

Education

Urban & Regional Planning degree (1 year completed)

Bachelor of Town Planning/Urban Planning (accredited)

Job description

Location : Bayside Council, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Cadet Planner (From Feb 2027 to Feb 2029)

• Learn from experienced planning professionals through structured mentoring and support
• Build the skills and experience needed for a successful planning career
• Gain hands-on experience across Development Assessment and Strategic Planning

At Bayside Council, we are committed to a positive, flexible and supportive workplace culture, where our people and customers feel respected and valued. We are proud to serve our community through operating with transparency, integrity and in the best interests of the Bayside community to deliver exceptional service.

The City Futures directorate focuses on developing our strategy to ensure sustainable and responsible planning and development for all aspects of our City.

About The Role

As a current university student, you will be able to participate in the numerous projects currently underway at Council. As one of the fastest growing areas in NSW, this is one of the most exciting periods to be working in Local Government.

As a cadet planner, you will rotate through the Development Assessment and Strategic Planning teams, getting a full understanding of what is involved in assessing Development Applications and preparing strategic planning documents including rezoning proposals.

This cadetship is designed to support students as they complete their planning degree. Flexible working arrangements will be considered to support study commitments.

You can also expect to:

• Assess, review and report on development applications in a timely manner to comply with legislation, statutory and control code obligations.
• Undertake research to assist with review and decision-making regarding development application assessments.
• Participate in pre-development application meetings as appropriate.
• Act as Council’s duty planner, as required (including attend to front desk enquiries, phone calls and emails), DA meetings, site meetings and all other related planning/ land use control enquiries to external customers.
• Participate in stakeholder engagement activities to understand and meet the needs of the local community.
• Develop and review statutory and land use plans to ensure growth is appropriately scaled and located, and delivers community benefits for the Bayside LGA

About You

We are looking for a someone who demonstrates:

• A willingness to commit to the role and study. Ability to balance study and work commitments effectively to work at Council long term
• Completed a minimum of 1 year of your Urban & Regional Planning degree; or
• Enrolled in accredited Bachelor of Town Planning/Urban Planning course at an Australian University

Our Benefits And Culture

As an organisation, we pride ourselves in offering a flexible working environment centred on delivering great outcomes for our customers, whether internal or external.

• 3 extra days off during Christmas each year
• 10 days sick leave each year
• 5 days MyLeave allowing flexible personal leave each year
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Annual skin checks & flu vaccinations

By the completion of the cadetship, you will have practical experience assessing development applications, contributing to strategic planning projects, engaging with stakeholders, and applying planning legislation within a local government environment.

Closing Date

Wednesday, 16 September 2026

Salary range

Starting from $65,382.19 per annum plus 12% superannuation

Applicants may be required to satisfactorily undertake a Criminal History Check, Medical and/or Working with Children check in accordance with the position.

Bayside Council is proud to be both an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Child-Safe Organisation. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace where all individuals regardless of background, experience, or identity, feel valued and respected. We also recognise the rights of children and young people to feel safe when accessing Council services, and we strive to maintain an environment that promotes their safety and wellbeing. All hiring decisions are based solely on individual merit and alignment with requirements of the role. Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process by getting in touch with our Talent Acquisition team to discuss their needs in confidence.