Job Description
Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer
Requisition Number: 516
Salary Range: $73,166.86 - $++,58+.18 per annum
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent
Location: Council Chambers, 11+ – 145 Spence Street, Portsmith
Application Close Date: Sunday 16 February 2026 at 11.30pm AEST
We are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled individual to join us as a Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer (depending on experience). In this position, you will play a key role in assessing development applications, providing technical advice, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality planning outcomes for the Cairns Region. The Senior Planning Officer will also provide leadership and mentorship to team members while driving business and process improvements within the unit.
You will be responsible for:
Assessing development applications and enquiries to facilitate sustainable growth and positive development outcomes.
Providing high-level specialist and technical advice to key stakeholders.
Fostering a supportive and positive workplace culture and team environment.
Identifying and delivering process improvement opportunities, to ensure the Development Assessment team remains adaptive, responsive and customer focused.
Qualifications and skills you will need:
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or a related field.
Proven experience in development assessment and planning matters.
Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of relevant planning legislation and frameworks.
At Cairns Regional Council, we are a values-driven, outcome-focused employer. We understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle, flexibility and place emphasis on the individual. Let’s talk about what works for you. We are motivated by a sense of service to our community – one that we live, work and play in.
The broad vision for the Development & Planning Branch of Cairns Regional Council is dictated by four key principles:
1. Innovation & continuous improvement: We embrace innovation by constantly seeking new, creative ways to improve our processes and optimise our service offerings.
2. Time management & efficiency: We are committed to managing our time effectively, balancing competing priorities while ensuring that work is completed on schedule.
3. Collaborative spirit: We thrive on teamwork, working together seamlessly and supporting one another to achieve shared goals.
4. Customer-focused problem solving: We balance community needs and regulatory requirements, working collaboratively with stakeholders to find practical and innovative solutions to support sustainable growth and positive development outcomes.
If you are passionate about planning and development and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the community, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role!
Some benefits we offer:
Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements / monthly RDO or +-day fortnight available
Fitness Passport - subsidised health & well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave & up to 3 weeks personal leave
Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
Secure your future with 12% superannuation contributions
Salary sacrifice opportunities
Access to novated leasing for a motor vehicle
Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
Corporate discount for some Private Health Funds
Access to our Employee Assistance Program
We are committed to:
Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support
Now we want to hear about YOU!
Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.
For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.
Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone: (07) 4044 3310
Email: [email protected]
Website: Employment at Council
Choose Cairns for your next career
Requisition Number: 516
Salary Range: $73,166.86 - $++,58+.18 per annum
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent
Location: Council Chambers, 11+ – 145 Spence Street, Portsmith
Application Close Date: Sunday 16 February 2026 at 11.30pm AEST
We are seeking a dedicated and highly skilled individual to join us as a Planning Officer or Senior Planning Officer (depending on experience). In this position, you will play a key role in assessing development applications, providing technical advice, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality planning outcomes for the Cairns Region. The Senior Planning Officer will also provide leadership and mentorship to team members while driving business and process improvements within the unit.
You will be responsible for:
Assessing development applications and enquiries to facilitate sustainable growth and positive development outcomes.
Providing high-level specialist and technical advice to key stakeholders.
Fostering a supportive and positive workplace culture and team environment.
Identifying and delivering process improvement opportunities, to ensure the Development Assessment team remains adaptive, responsive and customer focused.
Qualifications and skills you will need:
Relevant tertiary qualifications in Town Planning or a related field.
Proven experience in development assessment and planning matters.
Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
Knowledge of relevant planning legislation and frameworks.
At Cairns Regional Council, we are a values-driven, outcome-focused employer. We understand the importance of a balanced lifestyle, flexibility and place emphasis on the individual. Let’s talk about what works for you. We are motivated by a sense of service to our community – one that we live, work and play in.
The broad vision for the Development & Planning Branch of Cairns Regional Council is dictated by four key principles:
1. Innovation & continuous improvement: We embrace innovation by constantly seeking new, creative ways to improve our processes and optimise our service offerings.
2. Time management & efficiency: We are committed to managing our time effectively, balancing competing priorities while ensuring that work is completed on schedule.
3. Collaborative spirit: We thrive on teamwork, working together seamlessly and supporting one another to achieve shared goals.
4. Customer-focused problem solving: We balance community needs and regulatory requirements, working collaboratively with stakeholders to find practical and innovative solutions to support sustainable growth and positive development outcomes.
If you are passionate about planning and development and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the community, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role!
Some benefits we offer:
Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements / monthly RDO or +-day fortnight available
Fitness Passport - subsidised health & well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave & up to 3 weeks personal leave
Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
Secure your future with 12% superannuation contributions
Salary sacrifice opportunities
Access to novated leasing for a motor vehicle
Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
Corporate discount for some Private Health Funds
Access to our Employee Assistance Program
We are committed to:
Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support
Now we want to hear about YOU!
Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.
For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.
Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone: (07) 4044 3310
Email: [email protected]
Website: Employment at Council
Choose Cairns for your next career
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Cairns offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
