Planning Officer (Local Planning Policy and Planning Reform)

Planning Officer (Local Planning Policy and Planning Reform)

Planning & Development | Building/Construction, Geographic Information Services, Planning

Location: Rockingham, WA

Closing date: 16/11/2026

Two Year Contract
Full-time (average of 38 hours per week)

The City of Rockingham is an award winning local government located 40KM south of the Perth CBD and is known as the place where the coast comes to life.  One of the fastest growing local governments in the south metropolitan area, we are responsible for the provision and delivery of high quality services, facilities and events that meet or exceed community expectations.  Providing a safe and healthy workplace for our employees is important to us and we are committed to employing team members who share the City’s Values of Recognition, Ethics, Service, Professional Development, Empowerment, Communication and Teamwork – RESPECT. These Values are incorporated into all aspects of employment at the City.

An exciting opportunity exists for a Planning Officer (Policy and Planning Reform) to play a key role in shaping the City's planning framework and supporting the delivery of strategic planning outcomes. This position has a strong focus on planning policy development, planning reform initiatives, and the continuous improvement of the City's planning processes and regulatory framework.

In this role, you will assist in the review, preparation and implementation of local planning policies, strategies and procedures, while supporting the City's response to State Government planning reforms and legislative changes. You will undertake research and analysis, contribute to strategic planning projects and studies, prepare reports and recommendations, and provide professional planning advice on policy and reform matters.

You have well-developed written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong negotiation and interpersonal abilities that enable you to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders. Highly organised, you possess sound project management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities. You have a strong understanding of town planning legislation, principles, and associated environmental and land use practices, together with their practical application. A degree in Urban Planning, or a related discipline is essential, along with relevant professional experience that supports eligibility for membership of the Planning Institute of Australia.

To be considered for this role, you must address the following selection criteria as part of your online application:

• Degree in Urban Planning or equivalent in a related field.

• Eligibility for membership to the Planning Institute of Australia.

• Current ‘C’ class driver’s licence.

• Well-developed communication, negotiation, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong time management and organisational skills.

• Sound knowledge of planning principles, legislation, land use practices, and Local Government planning processes.

• Knowledge of the Residential Design Codes (R-Codes), subdivision and development approval processes, and related legislation.

• Demonstrated experience in a planning related role.

We are offering a salary range between $102,707 to $110,461 per annum, depending on skill and experience, and:  

• 12% superannuation with the option to co-contribute up to a further 5%

• A variety of health and wellbeing programmes including a physical health reimbursement subsidy payments of up to $200 per annum, free flu vaccinations, free skin cancer checks, mental health programs and Employee Assistance Provider (EAP) services

• Flexible working arrangements, including rostered days off and two additional paid days of absence per annum

• Training and development opportunities including paid study leave and study fees

• Salary packaging opportunities for motor vehicles, etc.

An information package is available on our website.   

Applications will be accepted until 4pm on Monday 16 November 2026, or until a suitable pool of candidates exists.  This means the vacancy may close without notice, so if you are interested in the position, we highly recommend you apply as soon as possible.

This process may be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may become available in the City during the next 12 months.

If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process please contact the Recruitment Team via email at [email protected] or phone 08 9528 0333. We’re happy to discuss options to assist you e.g. we can provide alternate formats for application forms, or alternate methods of applying. 

The City of Rockingham encourages applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including First Nations people, people living with disability and people who speak a first language other than English.