- Lead the assessment of complex and high‑profile development applications and deliver technically excellent planning outcomes.
- Flexible working options including RDOs, WFH, plus access to novated leasing and Fitness Passport.
- Salary from $128,405.61 to $149,228.14 per annum plus 12% Superannuation plus Travel allowance.
Make a Difference Where You Work
As a
Principal Development Assessment Officer at Willoughby City Council, you will play a senior and influential role in shaping the future of our city. You will lead the assessment, management and review of complex, high‑risk and high‑priority development applications ensuring decisions are technically robust, legally sound and aligned with Council policy, legislation and community expectations.
Working across the Planning Directorate, you will be a trusted planning expert, providing high‑level advice to stakeholders, mentoring team members and championing customer‑focused, evidence‑based decision making.
Why Join Us?
- Lead Technical Excellence: Apply and share your expertise while championing best‑practice development assessment across the directorate.
- Influence & Advocate: Provide expert advice to senior leaders and represent Council in Land and Environment Court proceedings.
- Supportive & Collaborative Culture: Work with a skilled multidisciplinary team committed to integrity, quality outcomes and shared success.
About the Role
As a Development Assessment Officer, you will:
- Assess, manage and review complex, high‑risk or high‑priority development applications and subdivision certificates.
- Support timely, consistent and high‑quality development assessment aligned with legislative requirements, strategic planning objectives and community priorities.
- Provide expert planning advice on contentious or high‑profile matters to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Prepare clear, accurate and defensible assessment reports and determinations under delegation or for external consent authorities and planning panels.
- Defend Council planning decisions and appear as an expert witness in Land and Environment Court proceedings when required.
- Coordinate and integrate multidisciplinary technical advice from internal and external specialists to inform holistic and balanced assessment outcomes.
- Engage confidently with applicants, residents, industry professionals and the wider community, fostering transparency and trust in planning processes.
- Champion customer‑centric service delivery across pre‑lodgement, lodgement, assessment and post‑determination stages.
- Mentor team members, supporting professional development and continuous improvement across the Development Assessment team.
- Ensure compliance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Local Government Act 1993 and all relevant policies, codes and delegations.
What You’ll Bring:
- Tertiary qualification in Town Planning or significant relevant experience.
- Extensive experience in the assessment and determination of development applications.
- Experience appearing as an expert witness in the Land and Environment Court.
- Extensive understanding of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Regulation, Local Government Act 1993 and related legislation.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex planning matters to a wide range of audiences.
- Strong intermediate-level proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Highly developed customer‑focused and solution‑oriented approach within a regulatory environment.
- Eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
- Class C Driver’s licence.
Desirable:
- Qualifications or experience in urban design, heritage planning, landscape architecture or a related built‑environment discipline.
- Experience in NSW Local Government development assessment.
- Experience processing subdivision certificates.
- Training and practical application of urban design principles.
How to apply
Visit
https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Working-with-us/Careers to apply or learn more including all about the range of benefits on offer at Willoughby.
For more information, contact Tony Nunn, Manager, Development Assessment, at
Tony.Nunn@Willoughby.nsw.gov.au or on
02 •••• •938.
Applications should address all of the key responsibilities outlined in the Position Description.
The Position Description (PD) is located in the Job Attachments section of the job listing.
Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.
Applications close:
Sunday, 7 June 2026 at 11.30 pm
Please note recruitment activity may commence before the closing date.
At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.