Planning Officer

Company description:

About Brisbane Catholic Education

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is a vibrant learning community within the Archdiocese, employing over 12,000 people across a diverse range of positions. As the largest provider of Catholic education in Queensland, BCE is dedicated to delivering high-quality education from Prep to Year 12. Through strong partnerships with parents, governments, and the wider community, BCE fosters social responsibility, self-discipline and Catholic values in all its students. We offer a supportive working culture where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos. Arrive at work every day to a welcoming and compassionate environment, knowing that you'll be supported to take care of what's important to you. Learn more about Brisbane Catholic Education.

Job description:

About Brisbane Catholic Education

Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) is a vibrant learning community within the Archdiocese, employing over 12,000 people across a diverse range of positions. As the largest provider of Catholic education in Queensland, BCE is dedicated to delivering high-quality education from Prep to Year 12. Through strong partnerships with parents, governments, and the wider community, BCE fosters social responsibility, self-discipline and Catholic values in all its students. We offer a supportive working culture where care for the individual is an important part of our ethos. Arrive at work every day to a welcoming and compassionate environment, knowing that you'll be supported to take care of what's important to you. Learn more about Brisbane Catholic Education.

About our team

The Planning and Construction team is responsible for overseeing all property-related processes, ensuring the strategic acquisition of land in alignment with the new school development plan, and maintaining existing schools to the highest standards. The team manages the planning, design, and development of new schools and building projects while also coordinating maintenance activities, funding applications, and approval processes. Additionally, they collaborate closely with local authorities, architects, and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Summary

Join our team and make a significant impact by offering support and advice in resolving issues through effective collaboration. You'll play a key role in developing and enhancing operational processes and system improvements, ensuring continuous growth and efficiency. As a Senior Planning Officer, you'll provide expert advice and technical guidance to support the planning and execution of school capital works. You'll collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders—from school principals and senior leaders to architects and government officers—to help deliver master plans and approvals that align with our educational vision.

• Location: BCE Office - Woolloongabba
• Work hours: Full-time | Flexible working arrangements available
• Salary: $106,702 - $118,554 plus super
• Status: Permanent (continuing)
• Ad close date: 08 September 2025
• Contact:

About the opportunity

In this position you will be responsible for:

• Contribute to the development of regulatory approval pathways for education projects.
• Coordinate planning applications and approvals for new schools and expansions.
• Provide technical planning advice for school projects and land acquisitions.
• Manage stakeholder engagement to ensure alignment with project scopes and timelines.
• Oversee consultant outputs to ensure they meet educational briefs before submission.
• Prepare site-specific planning reports and written responses for capital project requests.
• Monitor surrounding planning applications and legislative changes affecting schools.
• Collaborate with school Principals across the Archdiocese to support site and town planning.
• Present operational information to guide and influence stakeholders during consultations.

About you

To be successful in this position you will bring relevant contemporary skills and experience including:

• Providing general advice.
• Creating accurate documentation with a high attention to detail.
• Experience in planning approvals, stakeholder coordination, and educational infrastructure projects.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present complex information clearly.
• A collaborative mindset and confidence working with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Investigating issues and concerns and providing advice and information in line with policy and procedures
• Qualifications in Town Planning, Environmental Science, Land Use Planning, or a related field.

Eligibility and Safeguarding requirements:

• Eligibility to work in Australia for the duration of the appointment
• Positive Notice Blue Card for working with Children.
• A valid Queensland Driver's Licence and willingness to travel to school sites.

Why choose BCE

Join us and be part of the largest Catholic Diocese in Queensland, nurturing your personal and professional development goals. As a valued member of our organisation, enjoy these and other rewards:

• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development
• Competitive remuneration and flexible work arrangements (position dependent)
• Access to targeted AI tools and training with a focus on innovation and strong ethical standards. Learn more here: The Rome Call for AI Ethics and Microsoft Australia News Centre
• Salary packaging and salary-sacrificing options
• Active staff social club and wellness programs
• Personal support for our employees and families through the Employee Assistance Program.

Please note applications for this position may be considered as they are received, and an appointment made prior to the advertised close date.

Everyone at BCE models and fosters a commitment to the safeguarding of children and promotes a culture where student protection is everyone's responsibility. The Archdiocese of Brisbane has standards of conduct for workers to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children. Our commitment to these standards requires that we conduct working with children checks and background referencing for all persons who will engage in direct and regular involvement with children and young people and/or adults-at-risk. The organisation is fully committed to child safety and has a zero tolerance to abuse of children or adults-at-risk.

Equity and inclusion are at the core of our Catholic values and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce. We encourage and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position.

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