Paid Work Experience

• Plan for the future – shape communities with real projects
• Apply your studies in a hands-on local government setting
• Experience the unique challenges of planning in a remote region
• Earn $40 an hour while gaining practical planning experience

About us:

Walgett Shire Council proudly serves a diverse and unique region in the heart of outback New South Wales rich in history and natural beauty. Life in Walgett Shire offers the best of outback living—open skies, a strong sense of community, and endless opportunities to explore.

At Walgett Shire Council we have a people-first culture. Safety, our people, and service to the community are at the core of everything we do. We are looking for passionate and committed professionals who are aligned with our core values: Respect, Integrity, Ethical Conduct, Courage, Honesty, Accountability, and Responsibility.

About the role:

Are you studying planning or have recently completed a qualification in town planning and want to see how it works in the real world? Walgett Shire Council is offering a unique 12-week paid work experience opportunity for someone keen to gain hands-on experience as a Town Planner in a rural and remote community.

This placement begins 1 November 2025 and runs for 12 weeks. Council will close for the Christmas period (18 December 2025 to 5 January 2026), giving you the chance to spend Christmas at home before returning to complete your placement in the new year. A reduced placement period can be considered if you need to return to study earlier.

What will you do:

During your time with us you will gain practical, real-world experience in town planning, including:

• Assisting with assessing and preparing development applications
• Supporting statutory and strategic planning projects
• Helping with land-use compliance activities and reviewing planning legislation
• Contributing to long-term strategic planning projects that shape the future of our shire
• Working alongside experienced planners to understand how planning decisions impact communities in a remote local government area

You will be actively involved in projects that make a difference, not just observing. This placement is an opportunity to apply your studies in practice, build confidence, and see first-hand how planning policy and regulation are applied at the local level.

About you

You are a motivated individual with an interest in town planning. You may be a current planning or related discipline student, a recent graduate, or someone seeking practical exposure to planning in a local government setting. You are detail-oriented, enjoy research and problem-solving, and are curious about how planning decisions shape communities.

To be eligible you must hold a current Driver Licence and be able to arrange your own transport to and from Walgett. A willingness to live and work in a remote community is essential – this opportunity provides not only professional experience but also the chance to experience a unique regional lifestyle.

What we offer:

• Paid work experience at $40 per hour plus superannuation
• 35-hour work week, Monday to Friday
• A 12-week placement commencing 1 November 2025 (with flexibility for students needing an earlier finish)
• Council closure period over Christmas (18 December – 5 January) allowing you to spend Christmas at home
• Access to Council's share housing at $100 per week, inclusive of all utilities
• Hands-on experience in statutory and strategic planning, compliance, and land use projects
• A unique opportunity to work within local government and see how planning shapes service delivery in a remote community
• The chance to contribute to projects that leave a lasting impact on the region

How to apply:

To apply, follow the instructions below, where you will be diverted to our website and requested to complete the selection criteria and attach your resume and cover letter.

A failure to answer selection criteria and to attach your resume will result in your application being rejected.

Further information regarding the online application process may be obtained by contacting Council's People and Culture Team via email 

Please Note: All correspondence regarding your application status and interview will be sent to you via email.

Closing date for applications:

Applications close at 9.00 am on Monday, 10 October 2025.

Council reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend vacancies without prior notice.

Walgett Shire Council is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, culturally and linguistically diverse persons, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.