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

• Drive impactful land use planning initiatives in a fast-paced, strategic setting
• Multiple Temporary and Ongoing opportunities and creation of talent pool
• Parramatta with flexible working supported, other NSW locations considered
• Salary relative to experience ranges from $138,539 + $148,283 Super

At the heart of the New South Wales (NSW) planning system, the Planning Group takes centre stage. Driven by the NSW Government’s unwavering commitment to tackle the critical housing issue, we provide essential support and strategic guidance. The Planning Land Use Strategy, Housing and Infrastructure (PLUSHI) team are the driving force behind the Department's strategic planning, policy, rezoning, and infrastructure projects, all aimed at making New South Wales a better place to live.

The role

The Senior Planning Officer Local Planning and Council Support is responsible for high quality, efficient and timely delivery of assessment advice to ensure projects meet all statutory obligations, Government policy requirements, and Government goals for a more robust and efficient state planning system that achieves strategic infrastructure, economic and growth objectives.

You will assess the merits of planning proposals in line with best practice frameworks and benchmark assessment outcome turnaround times, recommend projects for alternate planning pathways including State Significant Rezoning, produce high quality work on a wide range of planning matters, including the preparation of well written reports and briefing notes and provide strategic planning and formal advice to identify and address complex emerging urban issues, preparation of strategic plans and to support implementation and delivery of those plans.

You will also be the front door to the Department in providing support to Council on a range of planning issues, strategic advice and monitoring their local Development Application performance against the revised Ministerial Statement of Expectations Order released in July 2024, making recommendations and working with Council to improve their performance.

We have so many exciting projects for NSW including where you will deliver competing projects in a high pressure, challenging and dynamic environment and manage the different and competing interests of various external agency, stakeholder and community expectations to maintain the integrity of the Government’s planning program.

This recruitment may be used for the creation of a talent pool for similar roles. The current temporary role includes assessing complex, high profile planning proposals for inner Sydney Councils. The team currently works one day from the Department’s Sydney CBD office.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Planning Officer PLUSHI LPCS

Key knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant environmental assessment and planning legislation and processes
• Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, negotiation and project management

Essential requirements

• Degree in urban and regional planning or other relevant discipline

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.

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 11.55pm on Tuesday 23 September 2025.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Emma Hitchens on emma.hitchens@planning.nsw.gov.au or Eva Stanbury on eva.stanbury@dpie.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment 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 3, 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.