About the opportunity

Work that shapes your community, and a career that grows with you.

We’re looking for a Senior Development Engineer who’s ready to make a tangible impact on the future of our community. This role is about more than reviewing plans, you’ll be guiding the development that shapes our streets, supports our residents, and builds the backbone of a better future.

This is your chance to bring your technical expertise, clear communication, and problem-solving skills into a team that values integrity, collaboration, and professional growth.

What you'll be doing

As a key member of our Development Engineering team, you’ll:

Provide guidance, coaching and technical support to team members, sharing your knowledge and helping build capability across the team — with a view to stepping into higher responsibilities when needed, including acting in the supervisor role.
Assess development and subdivision applications (including S4.55, S8.2 and S138), ensuring compliance with legislation and Council policies.
Act as Council’s eyes and ears on-site—conduct inspections, verify civil works, and issue compliance or non-compliance reports.
Participate in Pre-DA meetings, RPPs, and occasionally attend sessions outside of normal hours.
Represent Council in legal proceedings, including appearances in the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Provide clear, confident advice—both written and verbal—on engineering assessments and Council policies.
Be a bridge between developers, consultants, and the community—resolving issues with fairness and professionalism.
Maintain accurate records, respond to customer requests, and action complaints through Council’s CRM system.

What you'll bring

You’re a qualified and experienced professional who knows how to balance technical detail with big-picture thinking.
You have a passion for coaching and mentoring less experienced colleagues and have leadership in your career goals.
You’ll bring degree in Civil Engineering (or a related field), with eligibility for membership with Engineers Australia.
Proven experience in subdivision and development assessment, with the ability to interpret complex engineering designs, legislation, and planning policies.
A solid understanding of stormwater management, hydrology and hydraulics, flood modelling, road and drainage design, traffic and transport principles, and geotechnical issues.
A working knowledge of key legislation, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993, Roads Act 1993, and associated regulations.
Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal. You can write a clear, concise technical report, present your case confidently in a meeting, and engage effectively with everyone from residents to lawyers.
Well-developed negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate difficult conversations and achieve practical, fair outcomes.
Strong time management and organisation - you know how to juggle priorities and keep things moving under pressure.

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

An attractive annual remuneration package ranging from $124,460 and $143,129 inclusive of superannuation and allowances is on offer, which will be negotiated with the successful candidate. In addition, this position has a leaseback vehicle available with full personal use.

The Benefits

35 hour week, full-time position
Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO
13% superannuation
Work mobile and iPad supplied
Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members
Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
Lease back vehicle - full private use available
Free parking on-site
Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley!

What's Next?

We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume.

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre-Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce.

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contactrecruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.aufor a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 14 August 2025 at 11.30pm

Would you like more information? Please contact Jules Bosco, Development Engineering Coordinator on (02) 4993 4324.

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.

Cessnock City Council

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