- Permanent / Full Time
- Salary: $85,830 - $117,851 gross p.a. plus 12% Super
- 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
- Located at the Nowra Administration Building, 36 Bridge Road, Nowra
- Applications close Monday, 19 October 2026 (at midnight)

About the RoleJoin the Strategic Planning Team and play a key role in delivering strategic planning outcomes that help shape the future of the Shoalhaven. This is a developmental prospect for an emerging planning professional to gain hands-on experience managing proponent-initiated planning proposals (PPs) and across a broad range of other strategic planning functions. Working closely with experienced team members and reporting directly to the Coordinator - Special Projects Team, your responsibilities will include:

- Assist managing proponent-initiated PPs in accordance with the relevant Council and NSW Government guidelines.
- Assist in the preparation of strategic planning and policy documents, including structure plans, settlement strategies, environmental studies, planning proposals, local environmental plans, development control plans, contribution plans, planning agreements, urban design plans and other policy documents.
- Support the delivery of strategic planning projects and initiatives that contribute to the objectives of the Strategic Planning Section.
- Liaise with other areas of Council to provide planning advice and assist in the preparation of policy documents.
- Review and prepare submissions relating to government agency initiatives, policies and legislation.
- Attend relevant technical and community-based committees as required, alongside supervisors and senior team members.
- Assist the public and other stakeholders with strategic planning enquiries.

Please refer to the under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required. The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

This is a grade range position, therefore in accordance with qualifications, accreditation, experience and demonstrated skills, the prospective employee will be assessed as either Grade 9, 10 or 11.

Grade 9 - $85,830 - $99,916 gross p.a. plus 12% SuperGrade 10 - $94,794 - $108,886 gross p.a. plus 12% SuperGrade 11 - $103,766 - $117,851 gross p.a. plus 12% Super

About You To be successful in the position, you will have:

For all grades

- Class C Driver's Licence
- Proof of right to work in Australia

Grade 9

- Completion,



or near completion, of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as urban and regional or town planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
- Understanding of the NSW planning system including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and ability to interpret and apply legislation.

Grade 10

- Completion of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as urban and regional or town planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
- Working knowledge of the NSW planning system including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

Grade 11

- Completion of recognised tertiary qualifications in a field such as urban and regional or town planning (or related tertiary qualifications), providing eligibility for corporate membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.
- High level understanding of planning legislation and the planning hierarchy and demonstrated competency in working on / resolving multi-faceted planning issues directly relevant to strategic planning processes.
- May have particular expertise in a relevant field, i.e., Planning Proposals, Development Control Plans or Contribution Plans, etc.

We are seeking a collaborative and enthusiastic planning professional with a genuine interest in strategic planning and community outcomes. You will thrive in a team environment and be keen to contribute to a diverse range of planning projects and initiative How to ApplyTo submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.

In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional setting.
2.



Please outline how you meet the essential criteria for this position including skills, qualifications, certifications and licenses relevant to this position.
3. Describe a relevant strategic planning, research or policy project you have contributed to. What was your role, what challenges did you encounter, and what was the outcome?

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks. For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on [02 4429 3253](tel:02 4429 3253) or [02 4429 3203](tel:02 4429 3203).

Applications Close: Monday, 19 October 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Eric Hollinger - Coordinator, Special Projects Team - [02 4429 3320](tel:02 4429 3320) (Mon-Thurs)

Why Work with Us The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do.

With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include

- Generous leave entitlements
- Long Service Leave after 5 years
- Option of flexitime for indoor staff
- 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
- Flexible and remote working arrangements
- Novated lease arrangements available
- Opportunities for professional development and training
- Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance
- NSW Welcome Experience

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and encourage applicants living with a disability to request reasonable adjustments.

As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.

📌 Strategic Planner (Nowra)
🏢 Shoalhaven City Council
📍 Nowra