Principal Planner

Division: Planning & PlaceBusiness Unit: Development AssessmentTitle: Principal Planner, Permanent - Full-time Role, 35 hours per weekSalary Range: $126,033.93 to $146,472.89 per annum + super (subject to skills and experience)

Who we are:Stretching from Manly to Palm Beach and Dee Why to Belrose, the Northern Beaches is a fascinating and complex area with beautiful beaches, coastal lakes, vast areas of bushland and boasting iconic landmarks. The beaches has a population of more than 270,000, is one of Sydney’s best recreational playgrounds and is recognised as having a much desired quality of lifestyle, natural beauty and environmental quality. Northern Beaches Council strives to deliver the highest quality services to our community.Join us and you’ll be part of an organisation committed to promoting sustainable growth, leading the community, protecting our environment, delivering quality development, and creating a great future for the Northern Beaches.Northern Beaches Council is committed to safeguarding children and young people. Council acknowledges that protecting the safety of children and young people is a whole of community responsibility and is everyone’s business.

Working with us:Northern Beaches Council provides a comprehensive range of benefits focused on our employees’ lifestyle, health and wellbeing, recognition and career development. In this role you’ll enjoy -• Rostered days off scheme• Health and wellbeing leave• A culture of supporting continuous professional development• Professional development and training opportunities• Work from home opportunities• Mentorship opportunities available for aspiring leaders• Genuine work-life balance and flexible working arrangements• Employee wellness program and a range of lifestyle benefits• Values based culture and a teams oriented working environment• High level of technological innovation and systems

Our opportunity:The key focus areas of this role include:1) Ability to manage a number of complex developments simultaneously which deliver timely and accurate assessment of planning applications2) Acting as an expert witness in Land and Environment Court appeals3) Attending meetings of the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel (NBLPP)4) Attending meetings of the Design and Sustainability Advisory Panel (DSAP)5) Coaching and mentoring of planners as well as assisting the Manager with the operation of the team6) Continuous Improvement of systems, processes and tools in the assessment of planning applications, including new core systems replacement
About you:We’re looking for a highly motivated, driven, and focused individual to join our team. You’ll bring your experience, high level skills and your passion to a team dedicated to making a difference in our community and delivering important natural and built environment outcomes.

Additional Information:Position DescriptionApplications close on: 21 August 2026Expected Interview Date: 3 September 2026Questions? Please call Daniel Milliken, Manager, Development Assessments on 02 8495 6491.
Northern Beaches Council is a diverse and inclusive employer and encourages applications from differently abled candidates. Reasonable adjustments to the workplace may be made where these are required.If you would like to contact us to discuss your specific circumstances, please contact the hiring manager for this role. If you do not feel comfortable to do so, please contact HR Services on (02) 8495 5070.