Senior Planning Officer

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

• Temporary opportunity, until June 2027
• Full-time (35 hours/week)
• Sydney CBD Office location (King St) with flexible working options available
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $134,504 to $143,964 + super

The role
At the Independent Planning Commission, our Senior Planning Officers dive deep into some of NSW’s most complex and high-profile projects. In this role, you'll review major state significant developments — from renewables to mining projects to other contentious planning matters — and provide trusted advice that helps shape decisions in line with government policy and legislation. You’ll also prepare reports and briefings, liaise directly with community members, councils, industry and government, and play a part in strengthening our systems and processes.

The work can be complex and fast-paced, requiring you to quickly get across a broad range of issues and deliver clear, balanced advice. You'll need to manage competing priorities, navigate conflicting expectations, and support decision-making on projects that attract intense public interest and scrutiny — all while keeping a sharp focus on quality, transparency and integrity.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Planning Officer

What you will bring to the role

• Strong knowledge of environmental and planning legislation and hands-on experience navigating assessment processes.
• Broad planning experience across a range of projects — from residential developments and major infrastructure to mining, renewables and beyond.
• A sound understanding of the environmental and land use challenges facing both metropolitan and regional NSW.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work confidently with communities, industry, government agencies and other key groups.
• A clear, balanced approach to supporting decision-making, while dealing with complex or contentious issues.

What is an essential requirement?

• Degree in planning, environmental management, engineering or other relevant discipline.
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel.
• Ability to work outside of core business hours and on weekends if required.
• Appointment is subject to satisfactory Criminal Record Check and probity screening

About us
The key functions of the Independent Planning Commission are to determine State significant development applications where there is significant opposition from the community or the local council; conduct public consultation for development applications; and provide independent expert advice when requested by the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces or the Planning Secretary. 

The Office of the Independent Planning Commission (OIPC) provides professional and technical support to the Commission and its members. The OIPC is the main point of contact for the public and Government agencies in regards to referred cases. It coordinates and facilitates the Commission’s decision-making processes and aims to provide efficient, transparent and high-performing support services.

What’s in it for me?
Join our team for a supportive work culture with extensive collaboration across community engagement activities and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, opportunities to engage and support diverse communities across NSW, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

Join us
Apply online with your resume and cover letter. Applications close Wednesday 14th May 2025 at 11:55PM. Contact Steve Barry on ***********@ipcn.nsw.gov.au or on 0400 323 *** for further details. A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) provides corporate services to the Office of the Commission, including HR and recruitment services.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via ***************@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637***​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.