Planner/Senior Planner

At RPS, our Town Planning team in Cairns plays a vital role in shaping communities and driving regional growth. We are seeking a Planning Professionals from Technicians to Senior Planners to support our team by crafting high-quality development applications and planning submissions that help turn ideas into approvals.

This is an ideal opportunity for a highly literate communicator with an interest in planning, development and local government processes. For the technician role you do not need to be a qualified planner—we are looking for someone with strong writing ability, sound judgement and a keen interest in legislation and policy.

Town Planners and Senior Planners are expected to have a planning qualification and experience commensurate with the respective roles.

The Roles

Working as part of a collaborative and experienced planning team, you will:

• Prepare compelling, well-researched development proposals, planning reports and written submissions.
• Translate complex planning concepts and legislative requirements into clear and persuasive written content.
• Assist with site investigations and reviews to inform planning documentation.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and authorities under the guidance of senior team members.
• Support the team by contributing to high-quality planning advice and documentation across a variety of projects.

Who We’re Looking For

You will thrive in any of these roles if you have:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail and a knack for persuasive language.
• A keen interest in planning legislation, local government processes and how policy shapes development.
• A degree in law, communications, arts, or a related discipline.
• The ability to research, synthesise and structure complex material clearly and effectively.
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to learn and contribute to planning outcomes.

It’s a Bonus If You Also Have

• Experience writing in a professional or consultancy environment.
• Familiarity with Queensland’s planning system, including the Planning Act 2016.
• Previous experience in or around planning, law, policy or development projects.
• An interest in community engagement, public affairs, or environmental policy.

Why RPS?

You will be joining a respected consultancy with a national footprint and a strong local presence. At RPS, we invest in our people, offering genuine career pathways, ongoing learning opportunities, and a culture built on collaboration, curiosity and impact.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute meaningfully to real-world development outcomes, without needing technical planning qualifications. If you love writing, policy, and place-making, this is your chance to make your mark.

Ready to apply or want to learn more? We’d love to hear from you.