Join one of WA’s most innovative and forward-thinking agencies and be part of something rewarding and exciting.
Shape the future of Western Australia. We're seeking experienced and proactive Senior Planners with a passion for making a meaningful contribution to planning and development of our state and its communities. If you bring a deep understanding of the WA planning system, proven experience in leading significant and complex projects, and the ability to critically analyse and synthesise information to deliver balanced, strategic recommendations — this is your opportunity to make an impact. Join the Department where your highly developed communication skills and forward-thinking mindset will help drive bold, sustainable outcomes for the people of WA.
The Senior Planner position assists with the delivery of the Department and State government priorities by providing senior planning services to enable sustainable growth and ensure communities are best placed to thrive. This supports land use planning in Western Australia, by promoting communities where people want to live, work and recreate.
The Senior Planner is primarily responsible for the administration of functions associated with relevant legislation, policy and strategic frameworks in collaboration with all stakeholders. As a Senior Planner you will be engaged with ongoing process improvements, contribute to the delivery of reform initiatives from the State Government’s planning reform agenda and build effective partnerships with Government, agencies, community service providers and the public.
This is a pool recruitment process for permanent full-time, and fixed term full-time opportunities. However, consideration will be given to part-time applicants. This pool may be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment.
The Department has offices in Perth and across the State. The Perth office is located in Perth CBD in a convenient location, above the Perth Underground rail; close to the Wellington Street Bus Station and City CAT services. The Department also has offices in Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton and Kununurra.
To be successful for this position, you need to demonstrate:
- An accredited tertiary qualification in Urban and Regional Planning and/or Development or an approved equivalent.
- Substantial experience in working in land use planning, with excellent knowledge of planning practices, legislation, policy and systems.
- Experience in managing and assessing significant and/or complex projects, with the ability to work independently.
- Ability to synthesise complex and/or competing information to make balanced recommendations.
- Highly developed written and oral communications, presentation and interpersonal skills, including experience communicating with a wide range of stakeholders in a variety of mediums.
- Demonstrate the behaviours within the leadership context as outlined below.
Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Personal Leadership. The Personal Leadership context is about the work of individuals not yet in traditional leadership positions who make a direct and immediate difference to the agency.
About us
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an attractive proposition, please visit the Department page on the DPLH website.
We have a comprehensive Applicant Information Pack to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you.
Benefits of Working at DPLH
DPLH offers a broad range of benefits including but not limited to:
- Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
- Comprehensive learning and professional development opportunities.
- 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
- 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
- Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
- Leave for study, bereavement, foster caring and parenting.
- Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.
How to apply:
All applications are submitted online. Select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions. You will need to submit:
- Copies of your relevant degree in order to be considered for this role.
- A comprehensive and clear CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements, including the details of two referees.
- A maximum two (2) page covering letter, addressing the requirements as outlined.
Please beware if you hold an overseas qualification you will need to provide supporting documentation of proof of assessment for equivalency. Please feel free to have your degree assessed by DTWD’s Overseas Qualification Unit (OQU) or alternatively contact our HR Services team on (08) 6551 9419 or email [email protected].
Further Information:
If you would like to know more, please give Dale Sanderson a call on 0459 863942 or email [email protected] to discuss the role in further detail. Please do not send your application to Dale or seek assistance with lodging your application.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Jake Louthean or Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Jake at 0428429486 or Barb at 0408 895 002 or alternatively email us at [email protected].
The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.
Accessibility: If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our HR Services team on (08) 6551 9419 or email [email protected].
We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:
TTY/voice calls – 133 677
Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727
SMS relay – 0423 677 767.
Special Requirements for this position:
The Department will conduct a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for applicants successful to this recruitment process.
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.
files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.
If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, contact [email protected], or please call (08) 6551 9419 for any other queries.
Closing Date – Wednesday, 17 June 2026 @ 4:00pm AWST
