Full Time Permanent

Directorate: Planning & EnvironmentTeam: Planning & PlaceEmployment Status: Permanent, full-timeEmployment Arrangement: 35 hours per week with access to Council’s Agile Work Policy

Position Number: POS 068Salary Range:

• Base Salary: From $127,855.00 - $144,235.00 (Grade 22, Step 1 to 4) per annum
• Plus: 12% superannuation
• Total Package: $143,197.60 - $161,543.20 per annum dependent upon competency step appointment

The successful candidate will have access to step increases for the grade based on competency assessment and tenure within this position.

About Strathfield Council

Strathfield Council is a medium-sized local government area in the heart of Sydney’s Inner West, covering approximately 14 square kilometres and home to an estimated 46,000 residents. With the population projected to exceed 60,000 by 2041, Council is planning for significant growth and increased housing delivery through major strategic initiatives, include the Homebush Transport Oriented Development precinct.

At the same time, Strathfield is committed to protecting its rich heritage, distinctive character and valued conservation areas. Council is focused on balancing growth with the preservation of local character through the delivery of high-quality urban outcomes, enhanced town centres, and new community infrastructure.

The Opportunity

Strathfield Council is seeking a motivated Senior Development Assessment Planner to join our collaborative Planning & Place Team.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within one of Sydney’s fastest growing local government areas, assessing a diverse range of development applications, from heritage and infill housing projects to major urban renewal proposals.

You will provide expert planning advice, mentor junior staff and contribute to delivering high-quality planning outcomes that balance housing growth with the protection of Strathfield’s value heritage and character.

As Council responds to significant planning reform and growth pressures, you will also play a role in implementing innovative initiatives to improve development assessment processes and reduce determination timeframes.

You will lead with professionalism and integrity while actively promoting and living our PROUD Values- People First, Respect, Opportunity, Unity, and Dedication- Contributing to a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

If you are looking to broaden your experience and be part of a progressive and supportive team shaping the future of Strathfield, we would love to hear from you.

About You

You will bring demonstrated experience in the assessment of development applications within NSW local government, along with a strong understanding of development assessment processes and opportunities for system improvement.

You are a highly organised professional with the ability to make sound planning decision and work effectively within timeframes. With excellent written and verbal communication skills, you provide high-quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders and are confident in negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution within the development assessment process.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning (or a related discipline) and relevant experience in development assessment, within NSW local government
• Proven ability to exercise initiative, work autonomously, meet deadlines, and effectively contribute to a team working in a complex and changing urban environment
• Able to coach and mentor other staff
• Sound knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993, and associated planning legislation, or experience working with comparable contemporary planning frameworks
• Understanding of the Land & Environment court process
• Proven ability to analyse and provide clear, high-level written and verbal advice and briefings on complex issues and to interact with a broad range of senior staff, technical specialists, community members and other stakeholders, including planning determination bodies.
• High-level verbal and written communication skills, including the demonstrated ability to understand client (staff, Councillor, and customer) issues and, where possible, achieve “win/win” outcomes
• Demonstrated a high-level of developing and maintaining network relationships with customers and external and internal stakeholders.
• Possess and maintain a current NSW Class C driving licence.

Why Work With Us

At Strathfield Council, you will enjoy a supportive workplace that values balance, growth, and wellbeing. Benefits include:

• Flexible work arrangements through our Agile Work Policy, including potentially up to two days’ work from home if working a five-day work week
• 35-hour working week with options for a compressed four-day week
• Generous learning and development opportunities
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program
• Health & Wellbeing Reimbursement Program
• Regular staff engagement events, including quarterly Roadshow lunches.
• Generous leave entitlements under the Local Government (State) Award (NSW).

Click here

for more details about our staff benefits and Click here to view Council’s Agile Work Policy.

Position Description

Click here to review the full position description for this role.

How to Apply

To submit your application online:

1. Complete your details and answer the application questions.
2. Attach the following documents in PDF format:

• Cover letter addressing the selection criteria
• Current resume

For questions about the role, please contact our People & Culture team at ***************@strathfield.nsw.gov.au .

Applications via email will not be accepted.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 13 August 2026.