Full Time – Permanent

About the Position The Strategic Planner - Recreation & Sport is responsible for understanding, communicating and influencing the sport and recreation landscape across the City of Onkaparinga and beyond. The role undertakes research, develops plans and provides information and professional advice to guide Council’s priorities for current and future programs, places and infrastructure that support increased community participation in organised sport, active recreation and physical activity.

Reporting to the Team Leader Sport Development, you will:

- lead participation data collection and analysis,
- forecast future demand for sport and recreation,
- identify emerging trends in sport, active recreation and physical activity participation,
- integrate demand and supply information, and
- develop infrastructure needs assessments, program proposals, strategic plans, briefing papers and business cases.

You’ll work closely with community sporting clubs and the broader community to understand their needs, build strong relationships and communicate clearly about Council’s priorities, planning processes and future delivery.

About You

You will have tertiary qualifications in sport, recreation, planning, business management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience in a similar role. You will bring a sound understanding of the Commonwealth, state and local government policy environment, together with current and emerging trends in participation and sport and recreation infrastructure planning and provision.

You will demonstrate highly developed research, analysis, demand and supply forecasting and project management skills, with experience preparing clear, high-quality reports, plans and business cases. Your exceptional written and verbal communication, strong people skills and ability to positively influence others will enable you to establish and maintain productive relationships with government, sporting organisations, community clubs and internal stakeholders.





Key Selection Criteria

1. Relevant tertiary qualifications in sport, recreation, planning, business management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
2. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, policy development or infrastructure planning within sport, recreation or a related field.
3. Highly developed research, analytical and demand forecasting skills, including the ability to translate data into evidence-based recommendations.
4. Demonstrated understanding of the strategy and policy environment at a Commonwealth, state and sport and recreation sector level.

Working for Council Some of the benefits of working with us include:

- Market-competitive salary and superannuation
- Flexible work arrangements
- Generous leave entitlements, including three additional paid days over Christmas

Please contact Jeremy Bell, Team Leader Sport Development, on [0421 858 517](tel:0421 858 517) to discuss this opportunity in more detail.

Application Process:

To be considered for this position, all applicants must submit a resume and a cover letter addressing how they meet each of the key selection criteria detailed within this advertisement. It is mandatory to provide detailed explanations of relevant experience and qualifications related to the criteria outlined above.

Applicants will be assessed based on their ability to demonstrate relevant experience for the position and alignment with the City of Onkaparinga’s Values and Behaviours.

The City of Onkaparinga is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and individuals with disabilities. For any adjustments during the recruitment process or on the job, contact [email protected].

The City of Onkaparinga advises that the recruitment process includes a medical assessment – including drug and alcohol testing, confirmation of experience and stated qualifications and may also include psychometric testing.

Applications close – 10am Monday 2 November 2026

📌 Strategic Planner, Recreation and Sport (Noarlunga Centre)
🏢 City of Onkaparinga
📍 Noarlunga Centre