Development Assessment Planners | Planner to Senior Planner

Multiple contract opportunities with a busy Sydney council with a strong pipeline of DA's.

Your new companyJoin a thriving Sydney council experiencing continued development across the local area. With a strong pipeline of Development Applications ranging from residential development through to more complex commercial matters, the planning team is looking to bring on additional support.


You will join an experienced and supportive multidisciplinary team, providing a great opportunity to add value or build your Development Assessment experience. At the more senior level, take ownership of complex applications and provide technical planning advice.
Your new roleDue to a continued increase in Development Applications, the council is looking for multiple Development Assessment Planners to join the team on an initial 3–6 month contract.
Depending on your level, your responsibilities may include:

• Assess and process Development Applications in accordance with the NSW planning framework.
• Undertake assessments under Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
• Interpret and apply relevant Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), Development Control Plans (DCPs), State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) and other applicable planning controls.
• Prepare clear and well-reasoned assessment reports, recommendations and correspondence.
• Review plans and supporting documentation submitted as part of Development Applications.
• Liaise with applicants, consultants, internal referral teams and members of the community.
• Manage a portfolio of applications while working to council timeframes.
• Respond to planning enquiries and provide advice on development matters.
• For experienced and Senior Planners, assess more complex or sensitive Development Applications and provide technical advice to the broader team.
• At Senior Planner level, there may also be opportunities to assist with Planning Panel matters and Land and Environment Court proceedings.

What you'll need to succeedYou will have a tertiary qualification in Town Planning or a related discipline, together with previous Development Assessment experience.
You will ideally have:

• Previous Development Assessment experience within NSW Local Government, State Government or a closely related planning environment.
• A sound understanding of the NSW planning framework and development assessment process.
• Working knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.
• Experience interpreting and applying LEPs, DCPs and relevant SEPPs.
• Experience undertaking or contributing to Section 4.15 assessments.
• Strong report-writing and communication skills.
• The ability to manage competing applications and priorities.
• Confidence communicating with applicants, consultants, internal stakeholders and members of the public.
• For Senior Planner applicants, experience managing complex or sensitive applications will be highly regarded.

What you'll get in return

• Initial 3–6 month contract
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Competitive hourly rates aligned to your level of experience.
• Exposure to a varied pipeline of residential and commercial Development Applications.
• Opportunity to further develop your NSW Development Assessment experience within a supportive council team.

What you need to do nowIf you're interested, click 'apply now' to submit an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Lucille on 02 8062 6102. Alternatively, please email your updated CV directly to Lucille.Kotze@hays.com.au.
If these opportunities aren't quite right for you, but you're considering your next move, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.#3025007