Assessment Officer

Ready to expand your experience and work on a diverse range of development applications in one of Sydney’s most dynamic local government areas?

North Sydney Council is seeking a motivated and capable Assessment Officer to join our Development Services team.

North Sydney Council administers a vibrant and evolving local government area on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Our 400 employees support a community of 77,000 residents across a compact, high-profile LGA known for its harbour foreshore, strategic location, and significant development activity.

The role

We are seeking a motivated planning professional to assess development applications and contribute to high-quality, timely and defensible planning outcomes.

This is a hands-on assessment role where you will:

• Assess development applications in accordance with legislative requirements and Council policy.
• Prepare clear, accurate and well-structured assessment reports for delegated and panel determinations.
• Provide statutory planning advice to applicants, consultants and the community.
• Manage application timeframes and contribute to Council’s performance against NSW Planning Portal benchmarks.
• Undertake site inspections, investigations and attend pre-lodgement meetings.
• Liaise with internal teams, state agencies and stakeholders to facilitate effective planning outcomes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, policies and procedures within Development Services.
• Assist with compliance matters, customer enquiries and other planning functions as required.
• Represent Council in planning appeals, including acting as an expert witness where appropriate.

North Sydney Council is currently ranked 14th across Metro Sydney on the NSW Planning Portal league table—a strong result that reflects our focus on continuous improvement and accountability. This role plays a key part in maintaining and improving that performance.

With ongoing NSW planning reforms and increasing expectations around assessment efficiency and transparency, you will also contribute to process improvements and system enhancements that support smarter, faster decision making.

The person

This role will suit a capable planning professional with development assessment experience who is looking to broaden their technical expertise and work on more complex and diverse applications.

• Demonstrated experience in development assessment within local government or a similar statutory planning environment.
• A sound working knowledge of the NSW planning system, including merit-based assessment and statutory planning processes.
• Strong analytical, report writing and communication skills.
• Excellent customer service, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage your own workload and deliver quality outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Current Class C Driver Licence.

You will thrive in a fast-paced, high-performing environment where you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work, continue developing your technical capability and contribute to meaningful planning outcomes for the community.

Why work at NSC?

We are committed to building a high-performing, collaborative and supportive workplace where people can do their best work.

Our Development Services team has recently undergone internal reforms focused on process improvement, team capability and performance outcomes—positioning us strongly to meet the evolving demands of the NSW planning system.

Working here means exposure to a diverse range of development applications, experienced planners who are invested in your success, and genuine opportunities to build your technical skills and grow your planning career.

Our Civic Centre is located directly above the Victoria Cross Metro Station, providing fast, direct access to the Sydney CBD and making your daily commute simple and efficient.

• Prime location with excellent public transport connectivity
• 35-hour working week with access to flexi-time
• Flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport access
• Health and wellbeing programs (including flu vaccinations, skin checks and classes)
• Employee Assistance Program and financial counselling
• Transport allowance
• Learning, development and career progression opportunities
• A supportive and high-performing team culture

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume and provide a brief summary of how your skills and experience meet the key requirements of the role.
Shortlisting will commence following the closing date. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted to arrange an interview, with interviews expected to be held within two weeks of the advertisement closing.

Salary up to $118,429 per annum + 12% superannuation + $1,000 pa Transport allowance

Market allowance of up to $9,000 pa to be negotiated with the successful candidate

35 hours per week with access to flexi time

To view the Position Description, Click Here

Closing Date: 17 August 2026 11:30pm

North Sydney Council is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity in order to provide a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. North Sydney Council also adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people. We strongly encourage candidates from wide-ranging backgrounds, identities and experiences to apply.