WORK THAT SHAPES YOUR COMMUNITY, AND A CAREER THAT GROWS WITH YOU.

We’re looking for a Senior Development Engineer who’s ready to make a tangible impact on the future of our community. This role is about more than reviewing plans, you’ll be guiding the development that shapes our streets, supports our residents, and builds the backbone of a better future.
This is your chance to bring your technical expertise, clear communication, and problem-solving skills into a team that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth.

ABOUT US

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We’re committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.
We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.
We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.
There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

As a key member of our Development Engineering team, you’ll:

• Provide guidance, coaching and technical support to team members, sharing your knowledge and helping build capability across the team — with a view to stepping into higher responsibilities when needed, including acting in the supervisor role.
• Assess development and subdivision applications (including S4.55, S8.2 and S138), ensuring compliance with legislation and Council policies.
• Act as Council’s eyes and ears on-site—conduct inspections, verify civil works, and issue compliance or non-compliance reports.
• Participate in Pre-DA meetings, RPPs, and occasionally attend sessions outside of normal hours.
• Represent Council in legal proceedings, including appearances in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
• Provide clear, confident advice—both written and verbal—on engineering assessments and Council policies.
• Be a bridge between developers, consultants, and the community—resolving issues with fairness and professionalism.
• Maintain accurate records, respond to customer requests, and action complaints through Council’s CRM system.