THE OPPORTUNITY

We’re seeking a Strategic Planner to join our team on a contract basis until May 2026.
As a Strategic Planner, you will play a key role in providing support to Council, and our Community, in planning for a sustainable future. As a member of the Strategic Planning Unit, you will contribute to the success of meeting our objectives and actions as outlined within Council’s Delivery Program.

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

• Providing practical, plain language advice to Council and the Community as it relates to land use planning and sustainable development
• Supporting Council and the Community to navigate the complexities of land use planning
• Developing, assessing, and reviewing strategic land use plans and policies, including planning proposals, local land use strategies, local environmental plans, and development control plans
• Reviewing and issuing planning certificates

READY TO APPLY? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 31 August 2025
• Contact: Liz Lamb, Strategic Planning Coordinator, on (02) 4988 0293 or 0421 887 722
• For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’
• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Description and our organisation Values
• We’re a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant
• We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.
• Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care.
• We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together

WE’RE ALL ABOUT PUTTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE, IN THE RIGHT ROLE! HERE’S WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• A degree qualification in planning or related field or a degree qualification and a relevant graduate qualification
• Demonstrated knowledge of Planning and Environment legislation, particularly Strategic Planning and Development Assessment under Parts 3 and 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Development Contributions under Part 7 of the Act

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

• Providing practical, plain language advice to Council and the Community as it relates to land use planning and sustainable development
• Supporting Council and the Community to navigate the complexities of land use planning
• Developing, assessing, and reviewing strategic land use plans and policies, including planning proposals, local land use strategies, local environmental plans, and development control plans
• Reviewing and issuing planning certificate