Student Planner

Strathfield Council; Strathfield; Hybrid; AUD 2,639,000 - 2,912,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

4-day week option

Learning and development opportunities

Health & wellbeing reimbursement

Fitness Passport program

Roadshow lunches (quarterly)

Job summary

Strathfield Council in Sydney's Inner West seeks a motivated Student Planner to gain practical planning experience while completing university studies. You will contribute to development assessment and strategic planning under supervision, helping with a range of planning matters that support Strathfield's growing community.

You will work with professionalism, aligning with PROUD values and a positive workplace culture.

Qualifications

• Currently studying a planning-related degree with a good academic record.
• Experience handling customers and delivering quality service.
• Able to work well in a team and produce written reports.
• Strong time management and discretion with information.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development assessment and modification applications.
• Prepare planning reports and submissions.
• Support strategic planning projects and LEP/DCP amendments.
• Review planning legislation impacts on Council operations.
• Support community engagement and public exhibition activities.
• Provide advice on land use, zoning and policy.
• Respond to inquiries professionally and promptly.
• Assist Duty Planner and day-to-day Planning & Place team tasks.

Skills

Customer service

Team environment

Report writing

Time management

Discretion & professionalism

Microsoft Office

Education

University student in planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Directorate: Planning & Environment

Team: Planning & Place

Employment Status: Commencing in January 2027, Term Contract – Up to 12 Months

Employment Arrangement: 35 hours per week with access to Council’s Agile Work Policy

Position Number: POS 219

Salary Range: T7 $1,116.30 per week, plus 12% superannuation

About Strathfield Council

Strathfield Council is a dynamic, medium-sized Council located in Sydney’s Inner West. Covering an area of approximately 14 square kilometres, we proudly serve a vibrant and growing community of around 46,000 residents, with population projections set to exceed 60,000 by 2041. We are committed to delivering high-quality services, driving community initiatives, and building a thriving, sustainable future for our residents.

The Opportunity

Strathfield Council is seeking a motivated Student Planner to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to build practical planning experience while completing your university studies. You will gain exposure across development assessment and strategic planning, working alongside experienced planning professionals and contributing to a range of planning matters that support Strathfield’s growing community. You will lead with professionalism and integrity while actively promoting and living our PROUD Values—People First, Respect, Opportunity, Unity, and Dedication—contributing to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

What You Will Be Doing

• Assist with the assessment and processing of Development Applications and Modification Applications


• Prepare reports and documentation relating to planning applications and proposals


• Support strategic planning projects, including Planning Proposals, strategic studies, Master Plans and amendments to Council’s LEP and DCP


• Assist with reviewing changes to planning legislation and considering potential impacts on Council operations


• Support community engagement and public exhibition activities for strategic planning projects


• Provide accurate written and verbal advice on land use, zoning, planning legislation and Council policies


• Respond to planning enquiries from customers, applicants and other stakeholders in a professional and timely manner


• Assist with Duty Planner services and contribute to the day-to-day activities of the Planning & Place team.

Essential Requirements

• Currently studying at university and completing a relevant degree related to planning with a good academic record


• Experience in dealing with a range of customers and providing quality customer service


• Experience and ability to work in a team environment


• Demonstrated experience in report writing


• Ability to analyse planning reports and proposals with attention to detail


• Excellent computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft applications


• Effective time management skills


• Ability to always handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism


• Possession of a current, unrestricted NSW Driver Licence.

Desirable

• Ability to interpret planning legislation and Council’s policies and procedures


• Ability to problem-solve.

Why Work With Us

At Strathfield Council, you will enjoy a supportive workplace that values balance, growth, and wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Flexible work arrangements through our Agile Work Policy


• 35-hour working week with options for a compressed four-day week


• Generous learning and development opportunities


• Complimentary Employee Assistance Programi>
  
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program


• Health & Wellbeing Reimbursement Program


• Regular staff engagement events, including quarterly Roadshow lunches.


• Generous leave entitlements under the Local Government (State) Award (NSW).

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

For questions about the role, please contact our People & Culture team at [e-mail].

Applications via email will not be accepted.