Development Planner

A great lifestyle in a treasured environment, this is life at PSC

The opportunity

Ready to join a reputable Development Planning team who thrive in providing a high quality service to their community? We're seeking an experienced Development Planner to join our team on a permanent, full-time basis.

Our Development Planning team provide advice and high level customer service to not only the Community of Port Stephens, but to the elected Council, internal stakeholders, rate payers, development industry professionals, and other Government agencies as required.

This role will provide you the perfect platform to showcase your Development Planning skills and experience in a Local Government setting, working alongside a bunch of experienced Planners and mentored by both the Senior Development Planner, and the Principal Development Planner.

• This is a permanent opportunity – working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexible working arrangement
• Base Salary Range: $87,392 to $102,814 pa based on 35 hours / week + 12% superannuation + $19,364 motor vehicle allowance + $2,464 retention allowance
• You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace

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

• Development Assessment, including assessment of development applications under delegated authority and associated tasks
• Planning advice to internal stakeholders, the Joint Regional Planning Panel, the Council, the Community and other Government agencies
• Investigation of unauthorised/illegal uses which include recommendations of actions in accordance with adopted policies
• General mentoring of junior staff members, including the Cadet Planner

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 a related field with several years of experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of planning and development legislation including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) and the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)

This is life at PSC

• Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu
• Long service leave when you've been with us for just over 5 years
• Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it
• Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.
• PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements
• Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program
• Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance
• Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre
• Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café
• And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you So tell us about…

• Why you want this role and how it aligns with your career goals?

Ready to Apply? Here's what you need to know

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 16 November 2025

Contact: Mathew Egan, Development Planning Coordinator, on

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