Planning Officer Cadet

What does this position do

The Cadet Planning Officer provides administrative technical and project support to the Development Team while undertaking relevant tertiary studies in urban and regional planning or a related discipline if not already appropriately qualified.The role assists with development assessment processes planning research customer enquiries and general administration to support the effective delivery of planning services under the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and associated legislation.

How does this Position contribute to our community

The Cadet Planning Officer supports the Development Team in delivering efficient and transparent planning services that help guide the sustainable growth and development of Port Lincoln. By assisting with development application processes and responding to community enquiries the role helps ensure residents businesses and investors can engage with Council effectively. The position also contributes to building local planning capability by supporting the development of future professionals who understand and value the needs of the Port Lincoln community.

Key Responsibilities

Development Assessment Support

• Assist Planning Officers with the administration of development applications.
• Conduct preliminary reviews of development applications for completeness.
• Assist with preparation of planning reports letters and development documentation.
• Undertake basic planning research and policy analysis to support development assessments.
• Assist with tracking and monitoring development application timeframes.

Administrative Support to the Development Team

• Provide general administrative assistance including filing record management and document preparation.
• Maintain accurate records in Councils planning and records management systems.
• Assist with preparation of meeting agendas minutes and reports where required.
• Support coordination of referrals to internal departments and external agencies.
• Assist with data entry and updating development registers.

Customer and Stakeholder Assistance

• Provide first point of contact support for planning enquiries via phone email and counter services.
• Assist customers with general information regarding development application processes.
• Refer complex enquiries to Planning Officers or relevant staff.

Research and Project Support

• Assist with research relating to planning policy land use and development trends.
• Support strategic planning or policy projects where required.
• Assist with preparation of maps reports or presentation materials.

Professional Development

• Actively participate in learning and development opportunities aligned with the cadetship.
• Apply academic learning to practical planning tasks within the organisation.
• Maintain progress in relevant tertiary studies.

Key Relationships

Internal

• Development Team
• Environmental Health Officers
• Building Officers
• Records and Administration staff
• Infrastructure and Engineering staff

External

• Community members and applicants
• Planning consultants
• State Government agencies

Qualifications Experience Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Enrolment in or intention to enrol in a tertiary qualification inUrban and Regional PlanningUrban Development or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to provide positive customer service.
• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and professionalism.

Highly regarded but not essential

• Understanding of thePlanning Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (SA)and thePlanning and Design Code.
• Experience in administration or local government.
• Interest in land use planning development assessment and local government processes.
• Basic GIS or mapping skills.

Behavioural Competencies

• Professional and ethical conduct.
• Willingness to learn and develop.
• Teamwork and collaboration.
• Initiative and problem solving.
• Customer focused approach.

Key performance indicators

Performance will be assessed against:

• Accuracy and timeliness of administrative support.
• Quality of assistance provided to the Development Team.
• Customer service outcomes.
• Contribution to team operations and projects.
• Progress in relevant studies.

Using the above position description as a guide your application should be addressed toTheo Theodosiou Manager Development and Regulatoryand include a briefcover letteraddressing the key criteria of the position and your most recentresumeincluding details of at leasttwo business referees.

If you would like to learn more please reach out to our People and Culture team ator by telephone.

Applications will be assessed throughout the recruitment process and the opportunity to apply closes 5:00pm Sunday 17th of May 2026.

The City of Port Lincoln is an Employer of Choice Equal Opportunity Employer and a Smoke Free Workplace

Required Experience:

Junior IC