Principal Planning Officer Assessments

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Be a part of the Development Assessment and Sustainability team, assessing the biggest and most dynamic State Significant Development and State Significant Infrastructure applications across NSW
• Join our Talent Pool for multiple full-time opportunities until June 2029
• Office location is Parramatta, with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + super

What's in it for me?

Why work for us - Welcome to the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is working closely with the Premier's Department and other Government agencies to establish the Investment Delivery Authority (IDA) and the multi-agency Investment Taskforce. Through an Expression of Interest process, the IDA will consider major projects across a range of industries, including advanced technologies and energy, valued at $1 billion or more, with the aim to assist with the timely delivery of these projects.

In response to this new initiative by the NSW Government, DPHI is recruiting dedicated resources to assess projects participating in the program. This is a bulk recruitment to fill several Principal and Senior Planning Officer roles and to create a recruitment pool for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type.

We are guided by the principles of strong, fair and quick work. We deliver timely assessments that are evidence-based, consider stakeholder concerns and drive quality outcomes.

Be part of the solution and take the opportunity to make a positive difference Play a role in increasing vital investment and development that will deliver liveable and prosperous communities across NSW.

The role

Development assessment is exciting, challenging and fulfilling. We are looking for planning assessment professionals who can deliver high quality, efficient and timely assessment advice to ensure State significant projects meet all statutory obligations, Government policy requirements, and Government goals.

As a Principal Planning Officer, you'll coordinate high-quality and timely environmental assessments for State significant projects, ensuring they meet statutory obligations and government policy objectives. You'll drive best practices and innovative processes to support a robust and efficient state planning system, achieving strategic infrastructure, economic, and growth goals.

You'll focus on reducing assessment times without compromising quality, implementing process improvements, and managing competing project outcomes in a high-pressure environment. Your role involves coordinating team activities, providing advice, preparing reports, and engaging with stakeholders to resolve disputes and improve service outcomes.

Bring your ideas In this interesting and dynamic role, we also want you to help improve our processes and come up with new and innovative ideas.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Planning Officer Assessments

What you will bring to the role

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with team members and prepare high quality reports and other documentation.
• You will have the ability to translate complex technical information into easy to understand material
• Strong problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges and adapt to evolving situations
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, fostering strong relationships and ensuring alignment with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant environmental assessment and planning legislation and processes
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, negotiation and project management

What is an essential requirement:

• Degree in environmental management, environmental science, planning, engineering or other relevant discipline. Willingness to travel and (minimum) Class C Driver's Licence.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 11.55pm on Tuesday 2 September 2025.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Chris Ritchie via

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via or HR Support, option 3, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.