Senior Planning Officer

About the role:

The Senior Planning Officer  is responsible for the timely assessment of various planning applications within a specified geographical area, which may change from time to time, (which includes but not limited to development applications, subdivision and strata applications, scheme amendments and structure plans), providing expert advice to internal and external customers, assisting in allocating new planning applications as required, providing day to day direct supervision and mentoring of Planning Officers and assistants, assisting the Coordinators in operational management of designated employees and making delegated decisions as set out in the  City's Delegation of Authority Register.

The complexity of the work will vary but it is generally expected that the Senior Planning Officercan assess and manage the more complex and / or controversial applications the City may receive with minimal supervision and prepare high quality reports to Council, JDAP and management that are well researched and have clear recommendations.

The position requires prior experience in a statutory planning position, excellent report writing skills, good analytical problem solving skills, demonstrated ability to apply planning principles to planning applications, a cooperative attitude to handle enquiries in a courteous manner, and the ability to plan, prioritise and organise work within set timelines.

We currently have one permanent full-time position available but would also consider a part-time arrangement for the right applicant.

Key Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Processing and making recommendations on a wide range of planning applications that are clear, well-founded and within the prescribed statutory timeframes and KPIs as assigned in the Annual Business Plan (ABP).
• Provide expert advice and customer service on all matter pertaining to the City's operative local planning scheme(s).
• Allocate new planning applications as required.
• Assist the Coordinators in operational management matters and in the day-to-day discharge powers and functions under the City's Local Planning Scheme in a timely and precise manner including the discharge of delegated determinations as set out in the City's Delegation of Authority Register.
• Provide day to day supervision and mentoring of staff.
• Contribute in the formulation and review of Checklists, Local Planning Policies and other processes to improve the business unit.
• Provide technical advice, represent and / or give evidence in review matters before the State Administrative Tribunal.

For more information please refer to the position description.

The successful candidate will have the following:

• Graduate or Post Graduate qualifications in Urban & Regional Planning or related field
• Demonstrated experience in a statutory planning position – at least 4 years’ experience in Statutory Planning will be highly regarded
• Prior experience in providing recommendations and advice to a Joint Development Assessment Panel (JDAP) and/or the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)
• A satisfactory National Police Certificate is required
• Current ‘C’ class drivers licence

About working with us:

The salary for this position will be from $103,827.22 - $116,957.39 per annum, depending on the skills and experience of the successful applicant.

You will also enjoy benefits including:

• Excellent leave entitlements e.g. purchase additional leave, Local Government public holiday
• Up to 16.5% Superannuation
• Flexibility to balance work and life through a hybrid work arrangement
• Comprehensive employee wellness program
• Generous study assistance (terms and conditions apply)
• Free parking options available
• Travelsmart allowance to support public transport use or cycling to work

About the City:

The City of Swan, located north east of Perth, is the largest local government by land size in the Perth metropolitan area, and has one of the fastest growing populations.

The City covers an area of 1,042 square kilometres, equivalent to almost 20 per cent of the Perth metropolitan area. A beautifully diverse expanse of land, the City is rich in natural assets, including the iconic Swan River and internationally renowned Swan Valley viticulture region established in 1829.

Our location, services and facilities make the City an attractive place to live. The population across our 42 suburbs stands at 168,334 in 2023, but is set to reach 300,000 by 2050.

The Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation have been the traditional custodians of the land for more than 40,000 years. The Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) holds enormous cultural significance for the Noongar people. The City is also rich in European history, and our community is a melting pot of multiculturalism, with one in three people being born overseas and one in five speaking a language other than English at home. Our ideal location, significant history, diverse community and strong economy ensures a positive future for the City of Swan, full of opportunity.

Our purpose at the City is to improve the quality of life for all of the people who live in, work in and visit the City of Swan by delivering our vision of ‘one city, diverse people, culture and places’ through shared values of respect, excellence, accountability and leadership.

At the City of Swan we are committed to recruiting and retaining the right people and creating a great place to work.  We offer our employees real careers, real impact, and real rewards.

We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds and encourage applications from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals who may identify as LGBTIQ, with disability, a culturally and linguistically diverse background, and people of all ages.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Rebecca or Celina directly on (08) 9267 9***.

For queries regarding the application process, please contact our friendly People Services team on (08) 9267 9***.

To apply please submit a cover letter that outlines your qualifications and experience and why you would be a good fit for this role, and a resume via the link. 

Closing Date: Sunday 31 March 2024 at 11pm AWST.

The City of Swan reserves the right to commence shortlisting and interviews earlier than the closing date. The City also reserves the right to close the vacancy early. Therefore if you are interested in applying for this position please do so as soon as possible.