Senior Strategic Planner

Are you a Senior Strategic Planner with a passion for building vibrant, sustainable communities?

If you're an experienced professional ready for your next challenge, this is your opportunity to make a real difference right here in the Cessnock Local Government Area.

Your work will play a key role in guiding sustainable development, protecting the unique character of our region, and supporting growth that meets the evolving needs of both residents and visitors.

In this role, you'll collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver effective and efficient services. You'll lead the investigation and preparation of long-term strategic plans, studies, reports, environmental planning instruments, and policies that are contemporary, relevant, and aligned with both Council's and the community's aspirations.

We're looking for someone with a degree in Strategic Land Use Planning, Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, or a closely related discipline. You'll bring a strong understanding of planning principles, the NSW planning system, and relevant legislative frameworks, along with demonstrated experience in leading complex strategic planning projects, delivering expert planning advice, and working effectively within a local government or similar environment.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

$106, ,380 per annum plus superannuation

• Full-time 35 hours per week
• Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
• 13% superannuation with a 1% increase in January 2026
• Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff
• Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Lease back vehicle - Full private use available
• Work laptop provided
• Free parking on-site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume.

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

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 for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 9 October 2025 at 11:30pm

Who to Contact: Keren Brown, Principal Strategic Planner on

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.