Senior Development Assessment Planner

About the Town of Gawler

Established in 1839, the Town of Gawler is one of South Australia’s most significant historic towns and is one of the state’s fastest growing Local Government Areas. Adjacent to the Barossa Valley and within less than an hour’s drive to the heart of Adelaide, Gawler provides its residents with the benefits of country living, town services and easy access to amenities in an area combining heritage and modern facilities.

Town of Gawler is an organisation that celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, supporting the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences of our employees.  Our culture is underpinned by our values: Teamwork, Integrity, Collaboration, Creativity and Positivity

About the Role

The Town of Gawler presents a transformative opportunity for a Senior Development Assessment Planner to join their dynamic Planning team. Reporting to the Team Leader Planning, this role offers an exciting prospect for a skilled professional to further advance their career in an organisation committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

As the Senior Development Assessment Planner, you will be responsible for providing expert advice and information to various internal and external stakeholders, whilst undertaking the assessment of a wide range of development proposals and projects, including commercial, industrial, residential, rural development and large-scale land divisions. Your work will focus on fostering sustainable growth within the Towns whilst preserving its historic character and identity.

Utilising your portfolio management skills, you will work closely with a supportive team, embracing mentoring and professional development opportunities, addressing complex issues, and collaborating with the broader organisation.

About You

As the Senior Development Assessment Planner, you will bring your prior experience and knowledge of major land developments, commercial, and heritage sites. Apply your strong communication skills in both written and verbal correspondence with the community and broader team, utilising your problem-solving skills and maintaining a resolution-focused approach. As a valued team member, you will build positive working relationships while applying your organisational and prioritisation skills, demonstrating a willingness to work independently as well as part of a team, adapting and collaborating effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the strategic direction, objectives, and operation of the Development Services team.
• Assess planning and development applications in accordance with the Planning and Design Code, the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 and associated legislation.
• Respond to inquiries, providing technical advice and information to residents and various stakeholders within both the private and all Government sectors in both verbal and written formats.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure compliance and alignment with statutory requirements.
• Document and prepare reports on development application, planning matters and development matters and programs.
• Assist with legal proceedings as needed, securing evidence related to non-compliant development.
• Project managing larger developments from Council’s perspective, ensuring developments remain on track and within legislative guidelines and within different stages of the development process.

Knowledge, Skills, and Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Regional and Town Planning, Urban Planning, or Environmental Planning (Essential).
• Current South Australian driver's license (Essential).
• Demonstrate knowledge of various legislative and statutory processes relevant to the role.
• Familiarity with the Planning Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, Planning and Design Code, and other legislation related to development.
• Experience in assessing land use applications.
• Previous experience as a planner in a similar organisation or work environment.
• High-level proficiency in Windows-based computerised systems, web technologies, software applications, word-processing, and spreadsheets.

The Town of Gawler is committed to providing a safe, supportive, inclusive, and respectful workplace where workers, customers, and members of the public are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect. The Town of Gawler values diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that accepts, supports, and values employees from all different backgrounds. The Council is an equal opportunity employer passionate about embracing diversity for the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that believe they meet the criteria of the position.

How to Apply:

The Town of Gawler provides a progressive, rewarding and flexible working environment, this is an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss. If you are looking to take on a Senior position, with long term career growth opportunities and have a passion for shaping vibrant communities, join on this exciting journey. 

To apply, click 'Apply.' Please complete the application form, upload a cover letter and your current resume. For inquiries, contact Catherine Scott at ***************@harrisonmcmillan.com.au

Applications close at 5 pm on Friday, 22nd March , 2024.