senior planning Officer

Permanent Full Time - 36.25 hours per week

$103,159.27 to $110,091.58 Annually + 13% super

(Note: From 1 May 2026: $107,801.43 to $115,045.70 per annum)

RCC Officers Level 6

Redland City Council offers you the chance to improve lives and shape your own career… on beautiful Redlands Coast.

Redlands is proud to rank among Queensland’s Top 5 local government areas for wellbeing in the SGS Cities and Regions Wellbeing Index - confirming our community as a great place to live, work, and grow.

Join our team as a Senior Planning Officer

Shape the future of the Redlands Coast as a Senior Planning Officer within Council’s Planning Assessment Major Projects Team. In this role, you’ll manage large‑scale and city‑wide development applications, leading complex assessments that influence suburb planning, major infrastructure and transformation projects across the region. It’s an exciting opportunity for an experienced planner ready to step into a senior role with real impact - leading end‑to‑end assessments, building strong stakeholder relationships, and playing a pivotal role in shaping growth across the Redlands.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Major project leadership – Manage and assess complex and large‑scale development applications from start to finish
• End‑to‑end assessments – Coordinate referrals, apply planning legislation and deliver clear, defensible recommendations
• Stakeholder engagement – Build strong relationships with applicants, consultants and internal specialist teams
• Technical expertise – Apply sound town planning judgement to identify issues and negotiate practical outcomes
• Strategic contribution – Balance long‑term regional planning objectives with short‑term development outcomes
• High‑quality advice – Prepare clear, comprehensive reports and correspondence for diverse audiences
• Collaboration & teamwork – Support team capability, morale and continuous improvement initiatives
• Court and appeal support – Assist with Planning and Environment Court matters when required

Skills and experience:

• Strong knowledge of Queensland planning legislation and statutory assessment processes
• Proven experience managing development applications, including larger or more complex projects
• Well‑developed written skills, with experience preparing clear, detailed planning reports
• Confident verbal communicator, able to lead meetings and negotiate outcomes
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills in complex planning environments
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and statutory timeframes
• A collaborative mindset with a strong work ethic and commitment to teamwork

Make sure to read the full Position Description before applying - it outlines everything you need to tailor your resume and cover letter.

Why this role stands out:

• Work on major city‑shaping and strategic development assessment projects
• Flexible working arrangements in a supportive planning team
• Make a tangible impact on the future of the Redlands Coast

Working for us means enjoying diverse work and gaining opportunities to grow in a region of outstanding natural beauty - Redlands Coast. In return for your passion and commitment to making a meaningful and ongoing contribution to our naturally wonderful community, we offer great benefits and the balance you need to bring the best you.

More reasons to love working with us:

• Professional development – job-specific training, study assistance, leadership and critical skills programs, plus access to an extensive range of online courses through LinkedIn Learning. We invest in your growth from day one.
• Generous leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave with leave loading, 15 days personal/carer’s leave, 14 weeks paid parental leave, and additional flexible leave options to support your lifestyle.
• Rewarding role-specific allowances recognising the responsibilities, skill, and impact of your position.
• Mental health and wellbeing support – access to EAP, external providers, training, and awareness programs to foster openness and reduce stigma.
• Exclusive employee lifestyle perks – discounts, cashback, health benefits, and savings on essentials, travel, tech, dining, and car ownership through novated leasing, plus employee banking benefits.
• Flexible working options – access RedFlex, offering flexibility in how, when, and where you work.
• Optional purchased leave available after probation.
• Incentives for returning from parental leave including credited leave and superannuation benefits.

View more great employee benefits here.

Who we are:

Redland City Council is a local government organisation proudly serving the Redlands Coast community. From maintaining roads, parks, waterways and islands, to delivering essential services like waste, water, libraries, and community events - we support the city’s day-to-day life and long-term growth. With over 1,200 employees across diverse teams, we’re committed to shaping a thriving, sustainable region that our community is proud of.

Guided by our Values, we’re proud of the work we do and the people who make it possible. Visit our careers page to learn more about the stories of our incredible team.

Eligibility:

• You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification in Town Planning, or a Diploma in Local Government (Planning) with relevant professional experience (for example, a Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning or equivalent)
• Successful applicants will be asked to consent to a criminal history check. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.
• To be eligible for employment, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

Ready to join us?

Click Apply to submit your application via Council’s online portal (or through OURspace for current employees). Please include:

• A one-page cover letter; and
• A current resume outlining how you meet the role requirements.

Note: We do not accept email, hard copy or third-party applications.

For more information about this position (200025), please contact Daniel Manathunga on (07) 3829 8183. Applications for this position close at 11:59 p.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 27/04/2026.

At Redland City Council, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and able to contribute to their full potential. We value the unique perspectives and experiences our people bring to serving our community.

To support an inclusive recruitment experience, please let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment or interview process by contacting recruitment@redland.qld.gov.au