Town Planner

TOWN PLANNER | CANBERRA ACT $100,000 – $140,000 + Super | Full-Time Permanent ��️ Looking for a Town Planning role where you can have a real influence on how things are done?
We're seeking an experienced Town Planner to join a growing Canberra team and play an important role in the delivery and development of planning services across the ACT.
This is more than a traditional Town Planner position. Alongside managing planning matters for new projects, you'll help establish and improve the systems, processes and workflows supporting a growing Canberra operation.
If you're looking for autonomy, variety, career progression and the opportunity to help shape a growing business, this could be the next step for you.
About the Role As the Town Planner, you'll provide planning advice and services across new developments throughout Canberra, the ACT and surrounding regions.
You'll work closely with clients, Registered Certifiers, developers, consultants and government authorities, providing practical advice around development pathways, planning requirements, feasibility and approval risks.
You'll also contribute to establishing efficient ACT planning and certification processes, helping the business build a scalable and compliant local operation.
Key Responsibilities Town Planning & Development • Provide professional town planning advice across ACT development projects
• Prepare and review planning assessments, statements and supporting documentation
• Advise clients on development approval pathways and planning requirements
• Identify planning constraints and potential approval risks prior to lodgement
• Interpret the ACT Territory Plan, planning instruments and relevant legislation
• Assist with feasibility assessments for prospective developments
• Liaise with ACT planning authorities and referral agencies
• Ensure planning advice and documentation meets statutory and professional standards
ACT Planning & Certification Support • Provide planning advice to the Canberra certification team
• Assess planning considerations for prospective projects
• Help determine appropriate development and approval pathways
• Identify matters requiring escalation due to regulatory, licensing or project requirements
• Support Registered Certifiers with planning information and project assessments
• Assist with qualification of new projects and enquiries before they enter the delivery pipeline
Systems & Process Development • Help establish effective planning and certification workflows for the ACT operation
• Translate ACT regulatory requirements into practical internal processes
• Develop efficient intake, assessment, documentation and record-keeping procedures
• Identify differences between NSW and ACT requirements
• Assist with improving digital systems supporting planning and certification workflows
• Document processes to ensure they are consistent, auditable and scalable
• Identify operational inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements
Stakeholder & Client Management • Build strong relationships with clients, developers, consultants and government stakeholders
• Liaise with Registered Certifiers and internal project teams
• Work closely with management as the Canberra operation continues to expand
• Support the sales team with planning and feasibility advice on new enquiries
• Attend client meetings and provide clear, practical planning guidance
Skills & Experience To be successful in this role, you'll ideally bring:
• Minimum 3–4 years' Town Planning experience
• Relevant qualification in Town Planning, Urban & Regional Planning or a related discipline
• Relevant registration/accreditation completed, where applicable
• Strong understanding of development assessment and approval processes
• Ability to interpret planning legislation and statutory requirements
• Excellent report writing and written communication skills
• Strong client and stakeholder management capability
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail
• Commercial and practical approach to planning advice
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team
Highly Regarded • Previous experience within the ACT planning system
• Strong knowledge of the ACT Territory Plan
• Experience with ACT development approval pathways
• Experience working alongside surveyors, certifiers, developers, architects or engineers
• Exposure to both ACT and NSW planning environments
• Experience improving internal systems, processes or workflows
Who We're Looking For We're looking for someone who can do more than interpret planning legislation.
You'll be a practical problem-solver who can understand a client's project, identify potential issues and provide clear advice about the best pathway forward.
You'll be comfortable dealing with clients and authorities, but you'll also enjoy improving the internal processes behind successful project delivery.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to join a growing Canberra team, establish themselves within the business and build a long-term career as the ACT operation expands.