Your Opportunity
This is a great opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the Planning team. You will be mentored and supported in assessing development applications; providing advice on all the provisions of the Planning Scheme and associated legislation to Council developers and the general public; and working with programs which promote a greater understanding of and compliance with planning and development matters. You will be currently undertaking tertiary studies and in your third or fourth year and looking for a place to learn and develop your skillset.
Term: Temporary Part-time
Hours of Work: Up to 72.5 hours per fortnight
Pay Level: $37.66 to $40.11 per hour (Level 2), plus 12% superannuation and 17.5% annual leave loading
In accordance with Council's Enterprise Agreement and the relevant Award. Pay rate dependant on relevant skills and experience.
Employment Base: Warwick, Queensland
Other Information: Opportunity to stay on as a full time Planner for 1 year after completing studies
Applications Close: 11:59pm Tuesday 13 January 2026
About the Department
With teams in building, plumbing and planning, the Planning and Development Department falls within the Communities, Planning and Environmental Services directorate, tasked with governing development in Southern Downs and fostering growth in the region. The department raises community awareness of compliance with statutory requirements and educates the community on the broader land use policy.
Key functions of the department include assessing development applications and providing advice to developers, residents and elected members. In this role you will provide detailed advice to Council on the associated legislation governing planning and development, find creative solutions to development problems and, be involved in the progression and review of strategic planning documents.
The Planning and Development team at SDRC are ready to welcome you, whether you are an experienced professional looking to expand your skillset in local government planning or a graduate looking to join a dynamic and diverse Council to kickstart your career.
Flexibility - Work arrangements which balance study commitments with work hours.
Make an Impact - Enjoy a hands-on approach building relationships with the community to create a region that is open to positive outcomes. Commitment to continuous improvement of practice and processes.
Team Environment - Close-knit supportive team, working with each other, and across departments to deliver a united approach.
Professional Growth - On the job training and access to professional training and development. Variety of work across all areas of development assessment. Opportunities to represent the team at community engagements projects such as public consultation of the draft planning scheme.
Lifestyle - Enjoy the work life balance in the Southern Downs with the unique natural hot spots and leisure opportunities.
What You Will Do
For full details of this position, please ensure you download the Position Description below.
(Note: For applicants viewing this job vacancy through SEEK.com, you will be able to access the Position Description by clicking on the "Apply" button, or by visiting the job advertisement on our website at www.https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/current-job-vacancies).
The complete Key Responsibilities of this role can be found in the Position Description. These include (but are not limited to):
- Provide routine advice to Council officers, consultants and the general public on planning requirements for Development Applications
- Assist the Department with Strategic Planning projects i.e. New Planning Scheme consultation, Local Heritage Register review, Urban Design Frameworks etc
- Undertake preliminary assessment of development applications to determine if “properly made” in accordance with the relevant legislation and preparation of notices for “not properly made” applications.
- Provide assistance to the Department to prepare and implement procedures and guidelines relevant to the administration of planning matters.
- Provide assistance to customers in the lodgement of Development Applications.
What You Will Need
To be considered for this role, you will need:
- Currently enrolled in a qualification recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) OR relevant experience and commitment to enrol in a qualification recognised by PIA (a minimum of two (2) subjects must be completed per semester)
- The legal right to live and work in Australia
- A Class C (car) licence or greater is required in this role.
- A white construction card or the ability to obtain one is a mandatory requirement for this role.
- Demonstrated knowledge of or ability to acquire knowledge of development assessment processes used in Queensland.
- Capacity to plan and prioritise workload to meet outcomes within required timeframes, while maintaining attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret and apply legislation to achieve outcomes.
- To be able to demonstrate your competence in relation to all of the Selection Criteria as detailed in the Position Description
What We Offer
At Southern Downs Regional Council, we know that that our people are our strength. With this front of mind, we provide a wide range of benefits and a holistic approach to supporting our employees, including:
- Competitive wages, conditions and allowances
- Salary packaging and remote area benefits available, which can significantly increase tax savings and take-home pay
- Discounted corporate health insurance plans
- Improved work-life balance opportunities, such as a 9-day work fortnight and consideration of other flexible work options
- Generous leave provisions including Special Family Leave, Cultural Leave and 17.5% annual leave loading
- Access to a wide range of health and wellness initiatives, including free, skin checks, flu vaccinations and wellness medicals, and discounted gym memberships
- Employee Assistance Program for staff and their families (24/7 access). This service includes counselling, financial coaching, nutritional support and legal referrals, as well as access to specialised wellbeing support for LGBTIQA+ individuals, First Nations people, and individuals experiencing domestic and family violence through dedicated helpline
- Opportunities for on and off the job personal and professional development (study assistance available in accordance with policy)
To view comprehensive details of our employee value offering, please click HERE. (Note when viewing this job vacancy through SEEK.com - you will be able to access this link once by clicking on the "Apply" button, or by visiting the job advertisement on our website at www.https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/current-job-vacancies)
Further Information
For further information about this role and working for Southern Downs Regional Council, please refer to the documents below:
(Note when viewing this job vacancy on SEEK.com - the links to information below will only be available once you click on the "Apply" button. Alternatively, you can access them via the job advertisement on our website at https://www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/council/careers-at-council/current-job-vacancies).
If you have any additional enquiries in relation to this position, please contact Catherine Travers, Senior Planning Officer on 1300 697 372.
Apply Now!
At SDRC, we believe that diversity enriches our workplace, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes. We welcome applications from qualified people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders and abilities, who have applicable working rights in Australia.
To apply for this opportunity, you will be asked to complete an online application form and provide:
- A short written response (maximum 1-2 pages, dot points acceptable) on how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to achieve the key responsibilities and meet the selection criteria of this role (as outlined in the Position Description); and
- Your current CV or Resume.
When you are ready to begin your application, please click on the "Apply" button below to be taken to our online application portal. Please ensure you provide all of the information requested and that your application is lodged by the closing date (as shown above). Should you have any difficulty lodging your application online, please contact our People & Culture team on ph 1300 697 372 for assistance.
We look forward to receiving your application.
