Senior Town Planner

About Break O'Day Council

Break O'Day Council serves the East Coast community of Tasmania, focusing on sustainable development, local infrastructure, and enhancing community wellbeing. The Council collaborates with residents, businesses, and regional partners to promote balanced growth and safeguard the unique natural environment. Its approach emphasizes transparent governance and planning based on evidence to direct future development. Team members are encouraged to share ideas, engage in cross-disciplinary work, and help define the region's long-term goals.

Role Overview

As a Senior Town Planner positioned full-time in St Helens, TAS, you will be tasked with evaluating development applications, preparing detailed planning reports, and offering expert advice on land use, urban design, and environmental factors. Your responsibilities will include drafting and reviewing planning policies, participating in strategic planning initiatives, and ensuring adherence to relevant legislation and local planning schemes. Active engagement with community members, developers, and internal teams will be key, facilitating consultations and representing the Council at meetings and hearings. Additionally, you will mentor junior planning staff and support ongoing improvements in planning processes and outcomes.

Qualifications and Expertise

• Proficient in Urban Planning and Land Use Planning with solid experience applying planning legislation and local schemes.
• Skilled in Regional and Environmental Planning, balancing development with environmental preservation and community interests.
• Comprehensive knowledge of strategic, statutory, and policy planning within a local government or comparable setting.
• Holds a tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, or a related field.
• Competent in interpreting technical documents, mapping software, and planning data, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication skills including report writing, stakeholder engagement, and public consultation.
• Capable of working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams, handling multiple projects, and meeting statutory deadlines.
• Membership or eligibility for a recognized professional planning body (e.g., Planning Institute of Australia) is preferred.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The Council seeks a seasoned planning professional with recognized tertiary education in land use planning, urban studies, or equivalent, with demonstrable experience in statutory planning. You should possess in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, outstanding communication abilities, and proficiency in collaborating with various stakeholders. The successful applicant will be a confident problem solver, adept at making sound decisions under pressure while fostering continuous improvements. Exhibiting professionalism, customer focus, and leadership skills to support a cooperative team environment aligned with Council values is essential.

Working Hours

This full-time position (1.0 FTE) requires working between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, with office hours from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM and a 40-minute lunch break. Occasionally, work outside these hours may be necessary and will be managed according to the Enterprise Agreement.

Compensation and Benefits

The Council offers a competitive salary package commensurate with your qualifications, experience, and skills. Included are a company laptop and mobile phone, with other benefits negotiable. Relocation assistance may be provided to ensure a smooth transition. The Council contributes 12.5% to superannuation on all wages.