Development Assessment and Planning Assistant

Development Assessment & Planning Assistant

This opportunity offers:

• Ongoing employment
• Full time role & 35 hour working week
• RFS Level 3/4
• Attractive annual salary $83,644 - $91,041 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• Location: West Pennant Hills (hybrid/flexible working arrangements considered)
• Free onsite car parking available 

Looking for more information?

Why not reach out to our role expert, Adam Small, for a confidential chat on 04•• ••• 895, adam.small@rfs.nsw.gov.au. 

Join Our Team: Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!

We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW. When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies. With over 70,000 volunteer members and staff, we embody the spirit of mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. We are one team with many players, united by a single purpose. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you! Become a part of our mission to safeguard lives and our cherished NSW landscapes.

What you’ll be doing:

Support bush fire prone development and community resilience by coordinating planning assessments, stakeholder advice, and key administrative processes.

The ideal candidate will have, or currently undertaking, a Diploma or above in Planning, Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or a related discipline, combined with a strong understanding of development assessment processes and bush fire planning principles. They will be highly organised, proactive, and customer-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities and provide timely, accurate advice to internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication and relationship management skills and work collaboratively within a team environment. They will also have sound administrative capabilities, attention to detail, and experience maintaining records and coordinating projects.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the Role Description and our organisation structure.

Note: As per the role description, candidates are required to meet minimum essential requirements. If you do not meet the essential requirements for this role, your application may not progress to shortlisting. 

Why work for us?

• Operational/Corporate uniform available
• Attractive leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave per year, plus more
• Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members, and their immediate family
• Salary packaging options available
• One ‘Agreed Absence’ leave day per calendar month 
• Ongoing learning and professional development programs (RFS is a Registered Training Organisation giving you access to various internal courses)
• Partnership with Fitness Passport for eligible RFS staff and their families to access more than 845 gyms and pools!
  

To embark on your RFS journey:

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now' through the relevant advertisement on RFS Careers, and attach:

• A cover letter in PDF format, addressing how you meet the essential requirements of the role, outlining your suitability and why you are interested in this opportunity;
• A resume in PDF format, including two current/recent professional referees (please include email address and contact number)
• Respond to two targeted questions within the online application process (maximum 500 words each):
  • Describe how you communicated a problem and resolution to others. What approach did you take?
  • Tell us about resolving a complaint or conflict with a stakeholder or colleague. What was your approach to resolve matters? 

Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications independently to ensure they accurately reflect their skills and experience. The Rural Fire Service values authentic, original responses that reflect individual perspectives and alignment with its values and priorities. Skills, knowledge, and capability will be assessed and verified through the capability assessment process.

Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Sunday 30 August 2026.

Important recruitment Information

• A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual and term, full time or part time opportunities.
• We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to ensuring our employees represent the diversity of communities that we serve.
• If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please include any details that you are comfortable sharing during the application process, alternatively, you can reach out to the role expert to discuss.
• The recruitment process may involve a range of assessment activities to determine your capabilities for the role (aligning to the NSW PSC Capability Framework). The Capability application tool is designed to help job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.

Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below

Vacancy Reference: R26-250

This may not be the role for you, however you can check out other vacancies in the RFS here, or consider volunteering with your local Brigade.