Cadet Planner

Department: Planning and Regulation

Reports to: Manager Planning and Regulation

Salary Range: $959 - $1,269 per 35 hour week + superannuation with monthly RDO, paid study leave, assistance with tuition fees and more!

Warrumbungle Shire is strategically positioned on the Newell Highway, a short drive from Tamworth, Mudgee and Dubbo, and just over 3 hours from Newcastle, making Warrumbungle Shire a great place to live and work. Covering an area of more than 12,000km², and with a population of nearly 10,000, Warrumbungle Shire Council is one of the larger Local Government Areas in Central West NSW, home to the townships of Coonabarabran, Coolah, Dunedoo, Binnaway, Baradine and Mendooran. 

With a rich history and stunning landscapes including spectacular mountain ranges, waterfalls, ancient sandstone caves, gorges, and beautiful plains, our scenic location amongst friendly country communities provides an ideal setting for those looking to balance a country lifestyle and career.

At Warrumbungle Shire Council we offer a broad variety of jobs with a range of benefits and career development opportunities within Local Government. The guiding principles of honesty, integrity, fairness and compassion form the spirit of the team along with respect, transparency, passion, trust and opportunity is how Warrumbungle Shire Council strengthens its working environment to deliver on the aspirations of our community. We are an EEO Employer with a commitment to our staff and our vision is Excellence in Local Government. 

The Position

Our Cadet Planner will work closely with other planning staff to assist and support them in the coordination and execution of planning initiatives. While studying to gain your Planning qualifications, you will undertake some of the key duties of a Planner such as preliminary assessment of development applications and providing recommendations, participating in the preparation of statutory and strategic planning documents, providing customer-focused and friendly front-line response to verbal and written requests for development information and timely, consistent and accurate advice, and assisting with pre-lodgement, review and decision-making for development applications. You will be involved in all aspects of the planning team activities, giving you hands-on experience to assist your study. 

As a Cadet Planner, you'll be a key player in moulding the future of our beautiful Shire while getting a hands-on, enjoyable, and educational experience in planning.

What are we offering?

• $25,000 towards your tuition costs (payment of HECS fees to this maximum)
• Paid time off to attend residential schools and for exams
• Student membership of Planning Institute of Australia, providing access to:
  • Digital access to all past PIA online event recordings
  • Support from the Young Planner Committee members
  • 2 free tickets in your first year of membership to attend regional events or Young Planner events in the Sydney metropolitan area if you sign up as a student member
  • Physical and digital networks of supportive NSW planners
  • Monthly eNews and event updates
  • Information and resources relevant to your new role
  • Access to professional development 
  • Mentoring program
• Access to salary packaging to help maximise your take-home pay
• Uniform allowance - $500 first year and $300 pa afterwards
• Monthly RDO
• Access to flexible working conditions
• Generous Local Government leave entitlements

Please click here to view the position description.

Please click here to view the information package.

Selection Criteria

• Commitment to Council’s Mission, Values and Code of Conduct
• Understanding of work health and safety (WHS) in the workplace and commitment to a positive contribution to WHS in the workplace and compliance with Council and legislative requirements
• Currently enrolled in a Planning course accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia or able to be enrolled prior to commencement in the Cadet role (please see position description or information package for a list of eligible courses)
• Class C NSW Drivers Licence
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret and apply local planning regulations and policies effectively
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including community members, government officials and developers
• Proficiency in using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software and other relevant planning tools
• A proactive and adaptable approach to work, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• An understanding of sustainable development principles and a commitment to promoting environmentally responsible planning practices.

Applicants should note that Criminal History Checks, as well as alcohol and drug testing, are conditions of employment.

Applications close at 11.00 pm Sunday 11 February 2024.

For enquiries, please contact Human Resources on 6849 2000.

How to apply

Please provide sufficient detail in your answers to the questions as this information is used to assess your suitability for interview.

1. Scroll down and complete the fields below. Note: Fields marked with a red asterisk* are mandatory.
2. Click ‘Next’
3. Attach your resume, covering letter and copies of your qualifications
4. Click ‘Next’
5. Review your application and click ‘Confirm’ to submit your completed application

You will receive an email acknowledgement to confirm receipt of your application. You will receive email notifications regarding the status of your application. It is important that you regularly check your email to ensure you do not miss any notifications from Council. It is also recommended that you check your spam or junk folder and consider adding [email protected] to your email address book to ensure you do not miss any correspondence in regard to your application.