Full-Time Fixed Term until October 2027/ 9-day Fortnight / 36 Hours per week
Stream A Level 7
Salary: $111,401 to $117,924 Plus Superannuation
Position Brief - Senior Planner
About the team:
Located in the Planning, Regulation and Services Gold Coast Department, the City Development branch is responsible for the management and assessment of customer development applications, including the provision of planning and building advice, development assessment and improvement, infrastructure change review, developer contributions, infrastructure compliance and planning appeals and research.
About the role:
This fixed term position supports the Coordinators of the Planning Appeals team and plays a key role in managing planning appeals and originating applications before the Planning and Environment Court, Development Tribunals, Magistrates Court, and Court of Appeal.
As a Senior Planner, you will lead negotiations and defend the City’s decisions on development applications, development compliance, infrastructure charges, and procedural matters. You will provide professional support to ensure development aligns with town planning and environmental principles, the City’s Corporate Plan, Planning Scheme, Local Laws, policies, and relevant Legislation.
This is a leadership role within the Branch, working under broad direction of the Coordinators. You will exercise decision-making responsibilities and contribute to a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
Key deliverables of the role:
Create a positive workplace culture by encouraging constructive collaboration across Departments and Business Units to achieve positive City outcomes.
Provide leadership in the management of Planning Appeals in accordance with the Planning and Environment Court appeal process in a manner that enhances the performance and image of the City and its operation.
Provide advice and direction of complex and technical development applications/enforcement action to key stakeholders of the appeals process, including Solicitors acting on the City’s behalf, Councillors, and the General Manager.
Assess, prepare and present complex planning reports for Material Change of Use and Reconfiguration of a Lot development applications in accordance with relevant legislation.
Exhibit strong project management skills in case-managing multiple appeals with competing timeframes and priorities.
Coordinate comprehensive planning reports and recommendations for the resolution of appeals.
Demonstrate extensive knowledge of the relevant State planning legislation (in particular the Planning Act 2016 and to a lesser extent legislation dealing with court provisions for appeals), City Plan, Local Laws, policies, and procedures related to planning and the appeals process.
Knowledge and understanding of the City’s Infrastructure Charging regime (including the concepts of trunk and non-trunk infrastructure as they apply to the development assessment process).
About you:
You hold a tertiary qualification in Town Planning or equivalent knowledge.
You can work independently.
You enjoy working collaboratively and productively within a multi-disciplinary team environment and will foster good relationships with employees and clients.
You have exceptional time management and organisational skills.
You frequently exercise initiative and judgement and show innovation when dealing with non-routine matters.
You can manage multiple tasks and prioritise in a planning environment.
You have demonstrated experience (or the related ability) to adopt a risk management approach to appeals acting on behalf of the City as a model litigant.
You have demonstrated highly developed interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills including:
conflict resolution and negotiation skills;
the ability to present and articulate complex/technical matters (including education); and
high degree of competency in written communication and the composition of executive management reports/complex reports.
You consistently utilise your range of analytical, problem solving and investigative skills/techniques, and have a proven ability to mentor and motivate others, foster professional development and transfer knowledge while managing and monitoring performance.
You can (preferably within a Local Government environment) provide timely and accurate information and advice to Solicitors acting on the City’s behalf.
You understand the content, role and function of planning and development certificates and are able to provide advice regarding lapsing provisions for development approvals under current and repealed legislation
Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future
The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.
We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:
9-day fortnight
Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations
Personal and professional development courses
Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year
Free parking
We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community.
How to apply
To submit your application, please click and complete the application form. You will be required to upload your resume and a cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes will enable you to be successful in this role. Please note that you may also be asked to provide relevant qualifications, where applicable.
Contact Person: Curtis Luck & Sophie Chivas
Contact Email: [email protected] &
[email protected]
Closing Date: Thursday 17th September 11:59pm AEDT
Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.
We’re committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture. We take pride in people who align with our high-performance principles. We believe that the diverse makeup of our workforce reflects the community we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.
City of Gold Coast Recruitment
