Town Planner - Development Project Officer Development Assessment
Join our team and help shape the future of our community!
Wollongong is a great place to work, live and play! Together, our responsibility is to create an inclusive community where everyone is welcome, valued and belongs. Our strength is the diversity of our people.
We lead with courage, openness and curiosity and believe our employees are the key to our success. Learn more about us here.
The opportunity
Are you ready to influence the way our city grows? As a motivated Town Planner, you'll bring substantive skills and proven comprehensive experience to a diverse portfolio of development projects. Within our Development Assessment and Certification team, you'll take on work that truly matters-delivering outcomes that shape vibrant, sustainable communities for generations.
The City Centre & Major Development team is a collaborative, high-performing group that values partnership and results, with a dynamic mix of fresh talent and seasoned experts. You'll step into a pivotal role, bridging the gap between experience levels. This isn't just about doing the work; it's about mentoring, guiding, and lifting others up while delivering exceptional outcomes. In this role, you'll provide expert advice to a wide range of stakeholders and work closely with multi-disciplinary groups to make informed, timely decisions that drive successful outcomes.
This is a permanent full-time position. Base salary up to $116,251 per annum, plus superannuation (Salary package will be assessed based on skills ,experience, and qualifications.
How you'll make a difference
In this role, you'll take on development projects that shape the future of our city. From concept to decision, you'll influence outcomes that matter-reviewing and assessing development applications with precision and preparing detailed reports and recommendations for Local and Regional Planning Panels.
Your expertise will ensure that every project meets the highest standards of quality and compliance.
You'll also represent Council in Land and Environment Court matters, contribute to strategic submissions for state significant projects, and provide development control input into policy formulation, development control plans, and local environmental plans.
This is a role where your ability to deliver results under tight deadlines-with clarity and confidence-will make a real impact on our community.
About you
- You're a confident, solutions-focused planner with the expertise to navigate complex development challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes.
- You bring substantial experience in development assessment, including working with Planning Panels and Design Review Panels.
- You're comfortable representing matters before the Land and Environment Court when required and can prepare strategic, well-structured submissions for major and state significant projects.
- Your strength lies in delivering clear, concise advice and managing deadlines without compromising quality.
- Alongside your technical expertise, you're a collaborator and mentor.
- You thrive in a fast-paced environment, combining resilience with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- With tertiary qualifications in Urban or Town Planning (or a related field) and a strong understanding of NSW planning legislation-including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979-you're ready to contribute to a team that values professionalism, innovation, and community impact.
- You have a current Class C drivers Licence or equivalent.
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Why you'll love working at Wollongong City Council!
- True work-life balance
We know you work hard, and we make sure that effort is rewarded with real flexibility. Our hybrid work options, flex-time, and rostered days off mean you can maintain balance while delivering great outcomes. - Great working conditions
Enjoy a 35-hour work week or a 9-day fortnight with a regular rostered day off (RDO). - Career growth and recognition
We are committed to supporting your personal and professional development. Our initiatives include a reward and recognition program, corporate learning opportunities, study assistance, and leadership development programs to help you grow and succeed.
- Generous leave provisions
Benefit from five weeks of annual leave per year (pro rata) and access long service leave after just five years. - Health, safety, and wellbeing
We prioritise a safe workplace for everyone, every day, everywhere. Our wellbeing programs support mental, physical and social wellbeing of our people to be at their best and include an Employee Assistance Program, skin and hearing checks, vaccinations, and discounted gym memberships. - A vibrant social culture
Join our Social Club for monthly activities, an annual trivia night, and fantastic Christmas events!
Participate and engage in meaningful work, and contribute to our extraordinary community, where together we make a difference.
For more information, click on 'Apply' to be redirected to Wollongong City Council's job vacancy page.
Applications close 11:59pm, Monday 24 November 2025
Internally this is known as Development Project Officer
We invite everyone to apply no matter your identity, you'll be welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), people with disability and veterans.
Wollongong Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people in the community.
Applicants are required to undergo a rigorous employment screening process which will include Reference, Identity and Medical History Checks, and may also include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.
- True work-life balance