Planning Officer

2 Positons Available

• One Full-Time Permanent 
• One Fixed Term Temporary Position until 8 January 2021

Please nominate in your application your interest / preference in either the full-time or temporary role or both positions.

Situated in tropical North Queensland, Cairns is a thriving vibrant city framed by world class attractions such as the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics - Daintree Rainforest and nearby Atherton Tablelands and outback Savannah regions. With an estimated population of approx. 165,000 the Cairns Regional Council local government area encompasses 1687 km2 of land on a narrow coastal strip between the Great Dividing Range and the Coral Sea. 

With our purpose to “serve the community”, we are committed to providing a sustainable liveable city that enhances our unique lifestyle and enriches our community and region.   

We are now seeking two passionate, innovative and suitably qualified Planning Officers to join our team now!   

Reporting to the Team Leader Planning, the key objective of the position is to:   

• Undertake the assessment of development applications ranging through simple applications to significant/complex applications
• Ensure that statutory requirements and Council’s expectations in relation to the assessing and processing of development applications are complied with, and carried out as part of a team for the benefit of the Branch
• Update Council’s Development Assessment On-Line tracking systems
• Undertake or manage specific planning projects when required  

To be considered for this role you will require: -   

• An undergraduate, graduate or post graduate qualifications in town planning from a recognised university or other tertiary education institution or equivalent
• Substantial planning  experience, preferably within a Local Government environment or similar
• Current Driver’s Licence
• Sound knowledge of and skills in interpreting and applying the Planning Act 2016 and any replacements of that act and any associated Legislation
• Well-developed Information Technology, verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with members of the public, Council Officers, and the development industry   

In return we offer the following benefits:   

• 19 day month
• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• 12% contribution to superannuation
• Annual leave loading
• Subsidised health and well-being membership (gym / swimming pool)

Applications Close: Sunday, 1 December 2019. 

For a full listing of the Key Duties & Responsibilities and full Selection Criteria please download a copy of the information kit.  

How to Apply:

Your application must be submitted online and must consist of the following:

• Cover Letter addressing the three main elements as detailed in the full selection criteria.
• Copy of your Resume.

Applications not addressing the full selection criteria will not be accepted.

Pre-Employment Assessment: 

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to undertake some or all of the following pre‑employment assessments / checks:-  

• Pre‑employment medical, which will include a functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol test.
• National police / criminal history check.
• Practical Assessment
• Numeracy and Literacy Assessment
• Computer Skills Assessment
• Qualification / Licence Verification
• Working with Children & Young People (Blue Card) Verification
• Right to Work in Australia Check
• Directorship Check

Employment Eligibility:

To be eligible to apply for a position at Cairns Regional Council, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:-

• Permanent resident of Australia
• Australian Citizen
• New Zealand Citizen
• Entitlement to work visa