Senior Development Assessment Officer

Senior Development Assessment Officer

• Salary $113,894.10 - $132,116.36 +Super
• Temporary full time position – 35 hours per week (Up to 12 months)
• This is a full time opportunity however consideration will be given to part time applicants for a minimum 21 hours per week *

About Ku-ring-gai Council

Ku-ring-gai is one of Sydney’s most beautiful and environmentally rich areas, located just 16km north of the CBD.

With a mix of vibrant town centres, leafy residential areas, heritage precincts, and natural bushland, we are a local government area committed to balancing growth with sustainability, character, and community values.

About the role

As a Senior Development Assessment Officer, you will undertake complex development assessments and provide specialist planning and development control advice to internal and external stakeholders. You will play a key role in ensuring development applications are assessed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with relevant legislation, policies and Council procedures, while supporting the amenity and environment of the Ku-ring-gai area.

Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Assess and report on development applications and related applications, including modification applications, Section 4.55 and Section 4.56 applications, Section 8.2 reviews and compliance matters.
• Prepare high-quality assessment reports, including clear recommendations, conditions of consent and reasons for refusal in accordance with relevant legislation and planning principles.
• Provide specialist planning and development control advice to applicants, residents, Council staff and other stakeholders.
• Investigate planning-related complaints and respond to enquiries and correspondence in a timely and professional manner.
• Undertake site meetings, Planning Panel meetings and other meetings as required, including representing Council where appropriate.
• Apply relevant planning legislation, environmental planning instruments, development control plans and Council policies when assessing applications.
• Undertake development contributions calculations and ensure accurate information is incorporated into conditions of consent.
• Provide technical advice and support to Council’s customer service centre, call centre and internal departments.
• Interpret complex information, analyse issues and apply sound problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior staff and contribute to a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Building Surveying or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a town planner or building surveyor.
• Current Class C Driver Licence.
• Demonstrated experience in statutory planning, development control and environmental assessment.
• Sound knowledge of relevant planning legislation, regulations and local government planning mechanisms.
• Experience with development assessment processes and preparation of comprehensive assessment reports.

Benefits

• 35 hour working week
• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Up to $100 yearly Health & Fitness reimbursement (conditions apply)
• Free confidential Employee Assistance Program
• Beautiful Ku-ring-gai location
• Supportive team environment
• Access to a wide range of development and training opportunities

*Please note that this is a temporary full-time opportunity; however, consideration for working part time hours of a minimum 21 hours per week may also be given. If you have a preference for working part time hours please indicate this in your covering letter.

For more information on the benefits offered at Ku-ring-gai Council, please refer to our website.

How to apply

Applicants are required to address all Essential Criteria as listed within the Position Description to be eligible for an interview.

Like to know more? Contact Brodee Gregory at 0438 665 ***

Closes: 11:30pm, 10th September 2026

Ku-ring-gai Council is an equal opportunity employer