Senior Planning Officer

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

• Help deliver on the Government's number one priority – housing
• Be a part of the Housing and Key Sites Assessment branch, assessing the biggest and most complex State Significant Development applications to boost housing supply and deliver city-shaping development in key sites across NSW
• Ongoing full-time (35 hours) opportunity
• Office location is Parramatta, with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $138,539.00 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 Housing and Key Sites Assessment branch

Boosting housing supply and deliver city-shaping development to build a better future for the people of NSW

The NSW Government is committed to shaping thriving communities by providing an adequate supply of diverse and quality housing and other strategic development across NSW to support our communities to live and work where they want and how they want. The Housing and Key Sites Assessment branch assesses the biggest and most complex applications to deliver on the NSW Government's housing target of 377,000 well located homes over the next 5 years. We do this through assessments of State significant development for a range of well-located housing, including affordable housing, built-to-rent apartments and seniors housing. We also assess other strategic development in key sites and precincts to help shape the future of NSW.

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 housing solution and take the opportunity to make a positive difference Play a role in increasing vital housing 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. You will complete assessments within the benchmark timeframes in a manner to provide greater certainty for applicants and the community whilst not sacrificing the quality of these assessments.

Working on a wide range of complex and contentious state significant projects, you will be analysing all aspects of a development supporting innovative solutions and making recommendations that lead to better outcomes. The key to success in this role will be building relationships and increasing engagement with various stakeholders including external agencies and the community while managing their different and often competing interests.

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:  Senior Planning Officer

What you will bring to the role

• Strong problem-solving abilities to navigate complex challenges and adapt to evolving situations.

• 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.

• 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:

• A degree in planning, environmental management, 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 5 September 2025 at 11.55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Aditi Coomar, Team Leader, Affordable Housing Assessments, on 

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

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