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

• Drive the planning outcomes behind NSW’s most important public infrastructure.
• Two Temporary (12 months) full-time (35hours per week) opportunities,
• Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $151,227 to $176,110 + super

What’s in it for me?

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 role

 This role leads the end‑to‑end assessment of major State significant social infrastructure projects—hospitals, schools, universities, stadiums and large recreation facilities—making sure they are evaluated thoroughly, efficiently and in line with legislation, policy and government priorities. It involves coordinating project teams, guiding complex and often contentious assessments, preparing high‑quality reports and conditions of consent, and working closely with both government and private applicants. The work spans everything from advising Senior Executives on high‑profile government projects to presenting recommendations on public proposals to the Independent Planning Commission, all in a fast‑paced environment where expectations for accuracy, accountability and timeliness are high.

A key part of the role is improving how assessments are done—identifying issues early, refining policy, strengthening processes and helping the team work more effectively. It also requires balancing competing deadlines, managing diverse stakeholder interests, resolving disputes, and overseeing external consultants when specialist expertise is needed. The challenge is to deliver quicker, more certain outcomes without compromising the quality or integrity of decisions, while maintaining strong relationships across agencies, applicants and the community.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Planning Officer Assessments

What you will bring to the Role

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects end‑to‑end, coordinating teams and external specialists to deliver assessments on time.
• Proven track record producing high‑quality, accurate reports and conditions of consent for large and often contentious State significant projects.
• Strong knowledge of environmental assessment and planning legislation, with experience applying it confidently in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments.
• Skilled at maintaining composure under stress, balancing competing deadlines and stakeholder expectations while upholding accountability and decision integrity.
• Effective at building relationships across government, private applicants and independent bodies, providing clear, reliable advice to Senior Executives, Ministers and the Independent Planning Commission

What is an essential requirement:

• Degree in environmental management, law, planning, engineering or other relevant discipline
• Willingness to travel and (minimum) Class C Driver 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 Monday 30 March 2026 (11:59PM)

Should you require further information about the role please contact Karen Harragon, Director Social Infra Assessments via email Karen.Harragon@planning.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent 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 talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, 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.