Gateway Town Planner

Blacktown is a vibrant city located in the very heart of Greater Sydney, halfway between Sydney City and the Blue Mountains. It is a city of ambition and excitement. With a total of 54 residential suburbs, and population of 435,000 coming from more than 180 different birthplaces, Blacktown City is one of the most diverse communities in Australia.

Working in Blacktown City provides a wealth of professional opportunities. Blacktown City Council is the largest council in New South Wales, 4th largest in Australia and a leader in the development of the western Sydney region. With almost unmatched growth expected over the next 25 years, we are on an exciting journey of transformation to prepare for a population of more than 644,000. There has never been a more exciting time to join one of Sydney’s most dynamic and high-performing councils as we continue to deliver outstanding levels of service for our proud and diverse community and prepare our great city for the future.

Blacktown City Council strives to be an inclusive workplace for all people. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

About the opportunity

An opportunity exists for a motivated and experienced Gateway Town Planner who is seeking a varied role in our Gateway team in the Development Services Unit to work 2 days per week (Thursday and Friday) on a term contract, part-time basis up until February 2025. 

An ideal candidate will have relevant experience in the assessment of development applications of varying complexity and typology and preferably with experience dealing directly with our customers. You will be required to:

• undertake the efficient processing of planning enquiries and assist in the processing of pre-lodgement meetings
• attend clearing house meetings and check incoming applications for completeness and to be on the duty roster for planning enquiries
• undertake other planning tasks in the Gateway or assessment team whilst ensuring compliance with Council's statutory responsibilities, policies and procedures, and if required, the efficient processing of development applications at any stage. 

Qualifications and experience

Essential:

• Tertiary qualification (Degree or Associate Diploma) in Planning
• Relevant experience in duty planning enquiries
• Experience in managing the needs of multiple stakeholders
• Experience in development assessment and identification of unresolved planning matters
• Knowledge of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, and the DPI White Paper
• Understanding of and experience in local government, planning and the development assessment process
• Excellent working knowledge of both Council and State Planning Controls that affect the City
• Project management and case management skills
• High level customer service and communication (oral and written) skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills (includes problem solving); innovation; and people management skills
• Computer literate
• Availability to work flexible working hours
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Current class “C” driver’s licence.

Desirable:

• Member of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA)
• Significant experience in the delivery of development related services.

Remuneration and benefits

The salary and conditions of employment are in accordance with Blacktown City Council’s Enterprise Agreement.

• Entry level for this position starts at $1,796.10 per week, pro-rata
• 14-hour working week 
• Car allowance
• Employee benefits such as leave entitlements (where applicable), 11.5% employer contribution payable to your nominated superannuation fund, Fitness Passport, gym membership discounts, and social clubs.

Our commitment to safety

Blacktown City Council is committed to safety. We have introduced alcohol and other drug testing at the pre-employment phase, and via a series of random and cause testing.

We are a child safe organisation that supports and promotes the safety, wellbeing and empowerment of children.

Position description 

Click here to view or download the position description.

  Apply now using our fast and easy-to-use online application process:

1. Have your resume and any other relevant documentation ready to attach. 
2. Have a personal email address ready to use and complete your application without 'logging out' of the system.
3. Review the questions and decide on your responses before commencing your application.
   
   Best of luck.

Closing date:           Friday 19 July 2024, 11.59 pm    

Contact officer:       Pauline Daw on 0421 619 352 

Internal ref:              BCC1639