Development Assessment Planner / Senior Development Assessment Planner

The Town of Gawler is looking for an experienced and motivated planner to join our Development Services team in a full-time, ongoing position. Depending on qualifications, experience and demonstrated capability, the successful candidate may be appointed up to Level 7 (Senior).

Whether you are looking to build your experience and take the next step in your planning career, or you are an accomplished practitioner ready for a senior position, Gawler offers the opportunity to work on a diverse and challenging development assessment caseload. The complexity and responsibilities of the role will be matched to the appointed level, allowing you to continue building expertise while working within a supportive and experienced team.

Few councils offer the variety of planning challenges currently occurring in Gawler. Major greenfield growth and land divisions sit alongside infill development, heritage conservation and reuse, environmental constraints and complex development proposals. It is an opportunity to develop broad planning experience while directly contributing to the places and communities taking shape around you.

With substantial growth ahead, including the future Kudla Growth Area, now is an exciting time to be part of planning Gawler’s next chapter and shaping its future communities.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assess a diverse range of development applications, from residential and commercial proposals through to land divisions and complex development matters, in accordance with relevant legislation, the Planning and Design Code and Council procedures.
• Provide clear, practical and solutions-focused planning advice to applicants, residents, consultants, developers and other stakeholders.
• Undertake site inspections, investigate planning and development issues, and identify matters requiring further information, referral or specialist input.
• Prepare high-quality assessment reports, recommendations, correspondence and decision-making documentation to support timely, consistent and well-reasoned outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with Council colleagues, referral agencies and industry professionals on greenfield development, major land divisions, urban growth, infill development, heritage and environmental considerations.
• At the senior level, lead or support the assessment of complex and strategically significant proposals, provide authoritative technical advice and exercise a high level of professional judgement.
• At the senior level, mentor and support less-experienced planners, contribute to consistent decision-making and help improve development assessment processes and service delivery.

About Us:

Established in 1839, the Town of Gawler is one of South Australia’s most significant historic towns, in one of the state’s fastest growing regions. As one of the fastest growing Council areas, we take pride in actively engaging our community through regular consultation and readily providing opportunities for our residents to influence important future outcomes. The Town of Gawler provides a progressive, rewarding and flexible working environment with a strong reputation built on collaboration, dedication and skillful fulfilment of community visions.

The Town of Gawler is an organisation that celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, supporting the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences of our employees. Our culture is underpinned by our values: Teamwork, Integrity, Collaboration, Creativity and Positivity.

What’s on Offer:

• Fulltime
• Flexible working conditions, 9 day fortnight (option)
• Salary – Level 5 $103,931.57 to Level 7 $129,135.03 (dependent on qualifications and experience)
• Contribute to making a positive impact on the community. Working with a dedicated and supportive team.

About You:

You are an experienced and motivated planning professional who combines strong technical expertise with sound professional judgement and a collaborative approach. Depending on your experience, you may be developing your capability across a broad caseload or already operating at a senior level on complex and strategically significant matters.

With well-developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, you build productive relationships and provide clear, practical and evidence-based planning advice. Senior-level candidates will also demonstrate the ability to guide others, provide authoritative technical advice, manage complex matters and contribute to service and process improvements.

Most importantly, you are seeking an opportunity to develop or apply senior-level capability in a supportive and growing team, with exposure to significant greenfield development, urban growth, land division, heritage and environmental planning matters.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum Diploma level qualifications in Urban and Regional Planning, Town Planning or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in development assessment and statutory planning within an Australian planning environment.
• Classification at Level 5, Level 6 or Level 7 (Senior) will reflect the successful candidate’s qualifications, depth of experience, technical capability, professional judgement and ability to manage complex matters.
• Experience working within South Australia, including knowledge of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act, Planning and Design Code and associated assessment processes, will be highly regarded.
• Well-developed analytical, report writing and communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, practical and evidence-based planning advice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse workload, exercise initiative, apply sound professional judgement and problem-solving skills, and deliver high-quality planning outcomes within required timeframes.
• Proven ability to build productive relationships and work collaboratively with applicants, consultants, community members, referral agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Experience assessing a range of development types, including residential, commercial, land division, infill, heritage and environmentally sensitive development, will be highly regarded.
• A commitment to professional growth, continuous improvement and contributing positively to a supportive and growing team environment.
• A current National Criminal History Record Check with no adverse findings.
• Current, unimpeded South Australia driver's license.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• A relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning).
• Familiarity with planning principles and land division delivery.
• Eligibility for membership to the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA).
• Current, unimpeded South Australia driver's license.

If you would like to know more about the role please contact Edouard Pool, Team Leader Planning on 8522 9229 or David Bielatowicz, Manager Development Services and Assessment.

Council is an equal opportunity employer that is passionate about embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that believe they meet the criteria of the position.

The Town of Gawler is a smoke, drug and alcohol-free work environment.

Applications close 13th November 2026 - Applications will be assessed as they are received, and interviews may be conducted throughout the advertising period. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early, as the position may be filled before the closing date.