Senior Town Planner

Blacktown is a vibrant city located in the very heart of Greater Sydney, halfway between Sydney City and the Blue Mountains. It is a city of ambition and excitement. With a total of 54 residential suburbs, and population of 435,000 coming from more than 180 different birthplaces, Blacktown City is one of the most diverse communities in Australia.

Working in Blacktown City provides a wealth of professional opportunities. Blacktown City Council is the largest council in New South Wales, 4th largest in Australia and a leader in the development of the western Sydney region. With almost unmatched growth expected over the next 25 years, we are on an exciting journey of transformation to prepare for a population of more than 644,000. There has never been a more exciting time to join one of Sydney’s most dynamic and high-performing councils as we continue to deliver outstanding levels of service for our proud and diverse community and prepare our great city for the future.

Blacktown City Council strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

About the opportunity

We are looking for an experienced, capable and self-driven Senior Town Planner to join and work in our Development Assessment section on a permanent, full-time basis. 

The principal duties of the position are to process the more significant development applications, including those to be reported to the Sydney Planning Panel. The position involves undertaking development application assessments and other planning tasks in a timely manner whilst ensuring compliance with Council's statutory responsibilities, policies and procedures. You will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of larger-scale development types. 

The ideal candidate would be an experienced town planner who has expert working knowledge of the relevant planning legislation and the Land and Environment Court appeals. 

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment to meet strict deadlines, we would love to hear from you!

Qualifications and experience

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification in Town Planning
• Solid experience as a Town Planner, especially involving the assessment of development applications
• Experience working with other disciplines and coordinating input from various professionals
• Experience in setting short term and long-term objectives with follow-up performance monitoring
• Current class “C” driver’s license
• Experience in writing complex reports competently.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of applicable legislation/regulations including, working knowledge of appropriate sections of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, State Environmental Planning Policies and the recent Planning Reforms
• Demonstrated ability to process complex Development Applications for consideration and determination by the State Planning Panel and Blacktown Local Planning Panel
• Effective computer skills
• Demonstrated superior communication skills and commitment to customer service
• Excellent liaison, negotiation skills and associated conflict resolution capabilities
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Availability to work flexible working hours
• Ability to work to key timeframes
• Experience in developing implementing and monitoring internal work procedures.

Remuneration and benefits

The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with Blacktown City Council’s Enterprise Agreement.

• Entry level for this position starts at $2,011.56 per week
• 35-hour working week
• Leaseback vehicle
• Opportunity to participate in Council's flextime arrangement
• Employee benefits such as leave entitlements (where applicable), 11.5% employer contribution payable to your nominated superannuation fund, Fitness Passport, gym membership discounts, and social clubs.

Our commitment to safety

Blacktown City Council is committed to safety. We have introduced alcohol and other drug testing at the pre-employment phase, and via a series of random and cause testing.

We are a child safe organisation that supports and promotes the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children.

Position description 

Click here to view or download the position description.

Apply now using our fast and easy-to-use online application process:

1. Have your resume and any other relevant documentation ready to attach.
2. Have a personal email address ready to use and complete your application without 'logging out' of the system.
3. Review the questions and decide on your responses before commencing your application.

Closing date:           Friday 27 September 2024, 11.59 pm    

Contact officer:       Sami Ahangari on 9839 6213

Internal ref:              BCC587