Salary Range: $67,169 - $75,183 per annum + superannuation
Start your planning career while you study!
Are you genuinely interested in town planning, development and shaping communities?
This is an exciting opportunity to launch your career as a Cadet Planner in a supportive rural local government environment while completing your formal qualification. This cadetship combines practical, on-the-job experience with tertiary study, allowing you to earn while you learn over a two-year diploma pathway (or continue existing planning studies if eligible).
As a Cadet Planner, you’ll work closely with experienced planners and gain exposure across a wide range of statutory and strategic planning functions. You’ll assist with preliminary assessment of Development Applications (DAs), undertake research for planning projects, support the preparation of reports and recommendations, assist with NSW Planning Portal processes and planning certificates, and attend site inspections with the planning team. You’ll also build valuable customer service and stakeholder engagement skills by responding to enquiries from community members, developers and applicants both face-to-face and over the phone.
This role is ideal for someone who is curious, analytical and motivated to build a genuine career in planning. Planning can be challenging, technical and fast-paced, but it is also rewarding and meaningful work that directly contributes to the future of local communities. We are looking for someone who understands this cadetship is a significant professional opportunity and is willing to learn, accept feedback and invest in their professional development. In return, you’ll receive mentoring, training and valuable experience across development assessment, strategic planning, research, compliance support and policy development. You’ll be supported by a close-knit and knowledgeable team that values collaboration, professional growth and helping the community navigate the planning process. It’s a team that works hard, supports each other, shares plenty of knowledge and celebrates the wins together along the way.
By the end of the cadetship, you’ll have completed a nationally recognised qualification while gaining real-world experience in a high-demand, skills shortage industry. Through structured mentoring and on-the-job learning, you’ll develop a strong understanding of development assessment, planning legislation, stakeholder engagement and professional local government practice. You’ll graduate with highly transferable technical, communication and problem-solving skills — all of which will set you up for a successful future in the planning industry.
To be successful, you’ll need strong communication and organisational skills, attention to detail, a willingness to learn and the ability to work collaboratively within a small team. You must either be enrolled in, or eligible to enrol in, an approved planning qualification (minimum Diploma level) prior to commencement. Applicants already studying planning at Diploma or Degree level are encouraged to apply and discuss their eligibility with us. If you’re ready to invest in your future and build a meaningful career in planning, we’d love to hear from you.
Please click here to view the position description.
Please click here to view the Cadet Planner Information Package.
This position is located in the beautiful town of Coonabarabran, known as the Astronomy Capital of Australia, which is midway between Melbourne and Brisbane and is known for its beautiful landscape and stunning night skies. The town has medical services, excellent schools, a variety of sporting and social clubs and a thriving tourism Industry. With the nearby Warrumbungle National Park, which is also Australia’s first Dark Sky Park, there is plenty to do and explore whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation.
Selection criteria include:
- Enrolment in, or ability to enrol in, an approved planning qualification prior to commencement
- Demonstrated analytical and research skills, with ability to interpret planning controls
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders
- Demonstrated organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
- Current NSW Class C Driver Licence.
It is a plus if you have some experience or exposure to planning, GIS, or local government processes, some knowledge of NSW planning framework, an understanding of sustainable development principles and experience using GIS or planning-related systems.
Benefits of working for Council
Council is committed to creating a positive working environment and offer a range of benefits for staff. Here's some of what to expect:
- Generous salary, starting at $67K ($1,291 per week)
- 35 hour week
- $13,000 towards your tuition costs (payment of HECS fees to this maximum)
- Paid time off to attend residential schools and for exams
- Student membership of Planning Institute of Australia
- Support for training and professional development
- Formal training opportunities
- Access to thousands of free online training courses
- Great leave opportunities
- 1 RDO every 4 weeks
- Paid parental and concurrent parental leave
- Carer’s leave
- 3 weeks sick leave per year including up to 2 days health and wellbeing leave each year
- Purchase additional leave or cash out leave
- Weekly pay cycle
- Mobile phone allowance available if you bring your own device
- Salary Packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
- Wellness – we want you to be at your best self so you and your immediate family members have access to our employee assistance program with TELUS Health One
- Free annual flu vaccinations and bi-annual skin cancer checks available
- PPE provided
- Generous uniform allowance
About Warrumbungle Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran.
With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.
At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. Council is proud to be an equal opportunity and child safe employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government.
Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 31 May 2026.
Interviews are expected to be held 11 June 2026. The final date will be confirmed with preferred candidates after applications have closed and shortlisting has been completed.
For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.
Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.