Senior Planner

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

• Ongoing & Temporary (up to March 2027), Full Time
• Location Parramatta with flexible work arrangements across NSW Department of Education Offices
• A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill anticipated vacancies over the next 18 months.
• Competitive remuneration ranging from $129,464 to $142,665 plus super & annual leave loading.

The role involves providing specialist statutory planning advice to facilitate the delivery of school infrastructure compliant with NSW planning legislation. This includes preparing high-quality reports and briefings on relevant government policies, providing advice in relation to third-party development applications' impacts on departmental assets and assisting in the development approval processes by reviewing consultant reports and negotiating conditions.

The Senior Planner also educates internal and external stakeholders on planning requirements, contributes to master planning for infrastructure projects, and maintains strong relationships with various stakeholders, including project managers and contractors.

The role demands a thorough understanding of the legislative environment governing schools, offering constructive advice to influence stakeholders and ensure compliance. Operating with a degree of autonomy, the position addresses sensitive issues in consultation with supervisors when necessary, striving for continuous improvement in the NSW Planning System while delivering high customer service standards.

For further information please click here to view the role description

About you

• Comprehensive understanding of statutory planning related to school infrastructure under NSW planning legislation.
• Ability to operate autonomously.
• Ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with stakeholders internal and externally.
• Experience in assessing development application and ensuring compliance with planning regulations.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Essential requirements of the role

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Urban and Regional Planning and/or relevant experience of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and other relevant legislation as it affects land use and property development, including licences, subdivision, rezoning and construction.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• 35 hour working week
• Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

As a condition of employment, successful candidates not currently employed by the Department must provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance number. Renewal is not required after the WWCC expires, as long as you remain in a non–child-related role. Employer obligations only apply while the WWCC is valid.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: Sunday 19 October at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Amanda Hill at or Jarred Statham at

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.