Development Assessment Planner

Directorate: Planning & Environment
Team: Planning & Place
Employment Status: Permanent full-time
Employment Arrangement: 35 hours per week with access to Councils Agile Work Policy
Salary Range:

• Base Salary: From $100282.00 (Grade 18 Step 1) per annum
• Plus: 12% superannuation
• Total Package: $112316.00 per annum

The successful candidate will have access to step increases for the grade based on competency assessment and tenure within this position.

About Strathfield Council

Strathfield Council is a dynamic medium-sized Council located in Sydneys Inner West. Covering an area of approximately 14 square kilometres we proudly serve a vibrant and growing community of around 46000 residents with population projections set to exceed 60000 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 Development Assessment Planner with experience in development assessment within NSW local government to join our professional and collaborative Planning & Place Team.

In this role you will assess a diverse range of development applications provide expert planning advice to internal and external stakeholders and contribute to high-quality planning outcomes that support the growth and development of the Strathfield LGA.

This position offers valuable exposure to a variety of planning matters providing an excellent opportunity to further develop your skills and progress towards more senior planning roles. You will also contribute to process improvements as Council responds to evolving planning legislation and policy.

You will lead with professionalism and integrity while actively promoting and living our PROUD ValuesPeople First Respect Opportunity Unity and Dedicationcontributing to a positive inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.

About you

You will bring demonstrated experience in the assessment of development applications within NSW local government along with a strong understanding of development assessment processes and opportunities for system improvement.

You are a highly organised professional with the ability to make sound planning decisions and work effectively within timeframes. With excellent written and verbal communication skills you provide high-quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders and are confident in negotiation problem solving and conflict resolution within the development assessment process.

If you are a dedicated planning professional looking to broaden your experience and be part of a forward-thinking planning team we would love to hear from you.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary Qualifications in either Town Planning or Building related field.
• Proven ability to exercise initiative work autonomously meet deadlines and effectively contribute to a team working in a complex and changing urban environment.
• Experience in development assessment processing in a complex or urban environment.
• Working knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act Local Government Act or experience in working with comparable and contemporary planning legislation.
• Growing ability to analyse and provide clear high-level written and verbal advice and briefings on complex issues and to interact with a broad range of senior staff technical specialists community members and other stakeholders including planning determination bodies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to understand client (e.g. staff Councillor and customer) issues and where possible achieve win/win outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain a network relationship with customers and external and internal stakeholders.
• Possess and maintain a current NSW Class C driving licence.

Desirable

• Exposure to a planning environment in a Local Government context particularly in NSW.
• Postgraduate work experience in urban design planning landscape architecture and/or architecture projects that have involved design analysis and problem-solving skills to deliver public domain outcomes.
• Eligibility for registration with AIA AILA PIA or an equal professional peak organisation.
• Experience in LEP preparation and planning proposals assessment.

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 Program
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program
• Health & Wellbeing Reimbursement Program
• Regular staff engagement events including quarterly Roadshow lunches.

Click here for more details about our staff benefits and Click here to view Councils Agile Work Policy.

Position Description

Click here to review the full position description for this role.

How to Apply

To submit your application online:

1. Complete your details and answer the application questions.
2. Attach the following documents in PDF format:

• Current resume (maximum 2 pages)

For questions about the role please contact our People & Culture team at .

Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 24 March 2026.