Senior Development Planner

From its beautiful coastlines to its thriving bushland reserves, Sutherland Shire offers unparalleled opportunities in environmental planning.

Be part of our Development Services team as we set new benchmarks in development assessment and customer service.

We are seeking an innovative and driven Senior Development Planner who will inspire and mentor emerging talent in the sector, contribute to a cohesive and supportive team environment, and lead the assessment of transformative projects in your local community

About Our Organisation

Sutherland Shire offers the perfect environment for passionate planners to lead innovative development projects. Here at Sutherland Shire Council, we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our residents through effective planning and growth strategies. Our team works collaboratively to ensure that development meets the needs of our community while respecting the environment and economic sustainability.

Our vision is to provide an industry-leading service that delivers timely, well-informed decisions to residents, all while maintaining exceptional customer service. As Senior Development Planner, you will foster a collaborative, agile team dedicated to achieving shared goals and driving positive change.

Your Role

Play a pivotal role in shaping the Shire's future by assessing complex development proposals, providing expert guidance, and mentoring the next generation of planning professionals. This is your chance to take the lead in a dynamic, collaborative environment and influence the growth of our local community.

Eager to tackle challenges, you'll take responsibility for delivering high-quality, timely results. A true team player, you'll always step up to support your colleagues and work toward collective success. We look for individuals who are open to innovation, new ideas, and working together to solve problems

Who We're Looking For

This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact—shape the future of Sutherland Shire, inspire innovative development, and lead the way in sustainable, community-focused planning.

If this sounds like the opportunity for you and you possess the following skills and attributes, we would love to hear from you:

• Tertiary qualification, at degree level, in Urban Planning or related field.
• Class C Drivers Licence.
• General Construction Induction Card NSW.
• Significant experience in assessing major and complex development applications.
• Strong knowledge of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating complex planning matters simply.
• Proven ability to assist staff and manage planning functions within local government, including process changes.
• Experience in project management, collaborating with various disciplines, and coordinating input from diverse professionals.
• Highly skilled in interpreting Acts and policies to make sound and appropriate decisions.
• Extensive experience in setting both short- and long-term work goals, along with monitoring performance progress.
• Significant experience handling cases in the Land and Environment Court.
• Expertise in interpreting legislation and policies to make well-informed decisions.
• Significant experience in the assessment of development in NSW at Local Government level highly desirable.

Join our Team and Grow with Us

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council

Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit

Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 12th September 2025.

Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within two weeks of advertisement closing.

Package: Competitive salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

Hours of work: Permanent and temporary full-time positions available, 35 hours per week with option of 19-day month with flex-time arrangement.

To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, corporate membership to our leisure centres, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and may also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Grant Rayner, Development Assessment & Certification Manager , for any job specific enquiries.

Lucille Kilshaw, Talent Acquisition Business Partner,  can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Click on the link to check out the Position Description

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government's Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.