Town Planner Cadet

Careers at Council; Bega; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rostered day off

Paid study leave

Council-funded course fees

Annual salary increases

Salary packaging

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

Bega Valley Shire Council invites applications for a Town Planner Cadet within the Emerging Talent Program. You will undertake an undergraduate qualification in Town Planning while gaining hands-on experience across Development Advisory, Statutory Planning, Environmental Planning and Strategic Planning.

You will rotate through planning areas, be mentored by experienced professionals, and develop skills in stakeholder engagement, reports and planning advice.

Qualifications

• Higher School Certificate or equivalent required.
• Eligible to enrol in a bachelor-level qualification in town planning or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in town planning, urban development or local government.
• Good written and verbal communication with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist in assessment of development applications and planning processes.
• Contribute to local and strategic planning initiatives.
• Develop skills in stakeholder engagement and customer service.
• Prepare reports, correspondence and planning advice with senior staff.
• Apply university learning to practical town planning work.

Skills

Town planning interest

Written communication

Verbal communication

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Team collaboration

Education

Higher School Certificate

Bachelor-level qualification eligible (Town Planning or related)

Job description

1d ago , from SEEK Grad Graduate Positions

A career with Bega Valley Shire Council offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful and diverse work that supports the vibrant communities of the south‑east corner of NSW. Nestled between rolling hills and some of the state’s most stunning beaches, this region is home to a variety of people who enjoy both rural and coastal living.As an AR Bluett Award winning Council, we are proud of our dedicated and talented team, whose efforts make our success possible.With a workforce of over 350, we provide essential services to our communities, including libraries, customer service, finance, childrens services, engineering, project management, road maintenance, water management, environment, parks, gardens, and town centres.We offer a range of employment benefits to support our staff, which may include:

• Rostered days off
• Salary packaging
• Paid study leave (one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester)
• Council‑funded course fees and approved study‑related expenses

A career with Bega Valley Shire Council offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful and diverse work that supports the vibrant communities of the south‑east corner of NSW. Nestled between rolling hills and some of the state’s most stunning beaches, this region is home to a variety of people who enjoy both rural and coastal living.As an AR Bluett Award winning Council, we are proud of our dedicated and talented team, whose efforts make our success possible.With a workforce of over 350, we provide essential services to our communities, including libraries, customer service, finance, childrens services, engineering, project management, road maintenance, water management, environment, parks, gardens, and town centres.We offer a range of employment benefits to support our staff, which may include:

• Rostered days off
• Flexible work arrangements
• Salary packaging
• Paid study leave (one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester)
• Council‑funded course fees and approved study‑related expenses

The Opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to join Councils Emerging Talent Program and undertake an undergraduate qualification in Town Planning (or a related discipline) while gaining practical experience and mentorship across Council's Development Assessment Directorate.As a Town Planner Cadet, you will combine academic studies with hands‑on workplace experience across a range of planning areas including Development Advisory, Statutory Planning, Environmental Planning and Strategic Planning. You will gain exposure to development assessment, planning policy, customer engagement and strategic projects that help shape the future of the Bega Valley.The role may also involve travel and participation in residential study blocks associated with your academic program.As a participant in Council's Emerging Talent Program, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills through structured learning, on‑the‑job experience, mentoring and exposure to a broad range of professional disciplines, building a strong foundation for a successful career in local government and beyond.Council will support your studies by providing one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester, together with funding for approved course fees and study‑related expenses.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist in the assessment of development applications and gain experience working with planning legislation, policies, and development processes.
• Contribute to strategic planning initiatives including local planning strategies, environmental planning instruments, and development proposals.
• Develop professional skills in stakeholder engagement and customer service, responding to planning enquiries and supporting community consultation activities.
• Build experience preparing reports, correspondence and planning advice while working alongside experienced planning professionals in a supportive team environment.
• Apply your university learning in a practical environment while developing the technical, analytical and professional skills required for a successful career in town planning.

This role offers valuable exposure to a broad range of planning services while developing practical skills and experience to support a future career in town planning. To view the Position Description, pleaseclick here.

About You

We are seeking an individual who holds a Higher School Certificate (or equivalent) and is eligible to enrol in a bachelor‑level qualification relevant to the role.You will have the following skills and experience;

• Demonstrated interest in town planning, urban development, environmental planning or local government.
• Good written and verbal communication skills including the ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical and investigative skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Willingness to learn and apply knowledge gained through academic studies in a practical workplace environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team while managing competing priorities and deadlines.

Benefits

This is a fixed term full‑time position working 35 hours per week for a period of six (6) years.The total remuneration package for this position commences at $57,401.34 gross per annum, comprising of:

• $985.60 per week base salary
• $118.27 per week superannuation (calculated at 12%)

Additional benefits for this position include:

• Rostered day off scheme (nine day fortnight)
• Paid study leave, providing one paid study day per week during each university semester or trimester
• Council‑funded course fees and approved study‑related expenses
• AnnualAwardsalary increases and performance reviews
• Salary packaging program (SmartSalary)
• Wellbeing Initiatives - Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program, Telus Health App, social club, health monitoring and annual flu vaccinations

For further information on this position, please contact Cecily Hancock, Manager | Development Assessment on 0418 446 ***.

Applications close 11.59pm AEDT on 22 November 2026.

Applicants must have the right to work in Australia and address the advertised selection criteria demonstrating their suitability for the role.