Development Assessment Planner/ Senior Development Assessment Planner

Reference Number: S100-26-1372
Closing Date: 20/04/2026
Employment Type: Permanent Full Time
We are currently seeking applications for two exciting roles -

Senior Development Assessment Planner and Development Assessment Planner

Salary, Perks and Wellbeing

Permanent full-time positions (35 hours per week)
Opportunity to work on diverse range of development applications and be a part of high-performing planning team
Senior Development Assessment Planner - Salary: $115,379.51 - $132,686.46 p.a. plus 12% Superannuation.
Development Assessment Planner – Salary: $94,870.48 - $109,101.08 plus 12% Superannuation.
Agile and hybrid working – work 3 days a week in office.
Discounted gym membership through Fitness Passport.
Community focused, not for profit, values driven service.
A supportive and inclusive work culture.
Based in Bondi Junction within 5-minute walk of the train and bus station
Wellness that works for you! From annual skin checks and flu shots to our bi-annual health fair, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy.
Employee Assistance Program.
About the Roles

As a Senior Development Assessment Planner, you will:

Assess and manage complex development applications, ensuring compliance with statutory planning requirements including Waverley Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and relevant State environmental planning policies, Development Control Plan(DCPs), and Council policies.
Prepare professional reports and provide expert planning advice to the Waverley Local Planning Panel and on State significant development applications.
Represent Council as an expert witness in the Land & Environment Court.
Mentor and support junior planning staff, helping build a strong and collaborative team.
Analyse and recommend improvements to policies, systems, and procedures to drive efficiency and best practice.
Respond to customer queries and provide advice at the Customer Service Centre from time to time.
To be successful, in the Senior Development Assessment Planner role you will have:

Tertiary Qualification/s at degree level in planning, architecture, urban design or equivalent.
Extensive experience in the assessment and resolution of complex planning, heritage and urban design issues associated with development applications, preferably in local government.
In-depth knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and other relevant legislation and regulations.
Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to mediate outcomes and liaise with community focus/precinct groups.
Experience in the Land and Environment Court of NSW.
Ability to meet strict deadlines and to balance and respond flexibly to competing priorities.
Excellent written and oral communication, report writing, presentation and computer and administrative skills.
Current C Class drivers’ licence.
As a Development Assessment Planner, you will:

Assess development applications in accordance with relevant legislation, planning frameworks, and Council policies.
Provide high-quality planning advice to internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to the enhancement of local environment by integrating sustainability and conservation principles.
Collaborate with Council teams to ensure consistent application of policies
Monitor and reporting on planning outcomes, recommending improvements to processes, where appropriate.
To be successful, in the Development Assessment Planner role you will have:

Tertiary Qualifications/ at degree level in Town Planning, Architecture, Urban Design or equivalent field.
Experience (minimum 2 years) in the Town or Urban Planning industry or related field (preferably in local government and in NSW).
Sound experience in development assessment and urban design assessment and analysis.
In-depth knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and other relevant legislation and regulations.
Negotiation and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to mediate outcomes and liaise with community focus/precinct groups.
Well-developed skills in the assessment and resolution of complex planning, heritage and urban design issues associated with major development applications.
Ability to meet strict deadlines and to balance and respond flexibly to competing priorities.
Excellent written and oral communication, report writing, presentation, computer and administrative skills.
Current C Class driver’s licence.
How to apply?

To be considered for this role, you will need to complete the following:

A cover letter outlining your motivation for the role.
A current resume detailing your relevant experience.
Complete the online questionnaire demonstrating how you meet each of the essential criteria.
If you are applying for Senior Development Assessment Planner role, please include code SDAP in your application.
If you are applying for Development Assessment Planner role, please include code DAP in your application.
All applications must be submitted through the Council’s website. waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/jobs
Appointment to the positions is subject to the successful completion of pre-employment checks.

Please refer to the position descriptions for detailed information on the Senior and Development Assessment Planner positions and required skills and experience. For more information contact Ben Magistrale, Manager, Development Assessment, 02 9083 8042 or [email protected].

Waverley Council is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all candidates. We encourage applications from people from diverse groups, including, but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people; people from culturally diverse backgrounds; young people; older workers; people with disabilities; LGBTQIA+; and other minority groups. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our People and Culture team at [email protected]

We fully support the aims and objectives of the NSW Officer of Children's Guardian and Child Protection legislation. We will implement necessary practices to ensure a safe and supported Council environment for children and young people. All staff, volunteers and contractor’s welcome child safe and child friendly practices.

How to apply: Visit waverley.nsw.gov.au/council/jobs


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