Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer
Requisition Number: 1034
Salary Range: $76,825.20 - $106,137.17 per annum
Position Type: Full Time, Permanent
Location: 119 – 145 Spence Street, Cairns
Application Close Date: Sunday 15 March AEST
Live where others holiday. Cairns offers a unique blend of professional challenge, and unbeatable lifestyle – world class natural assets, vibrant tourism, growing infrastructure, and a strong development pipeline. Here, your work has visible impact. You won’t just be processing applications – you’ll help shape the future of our region.
Why This Role is Different
At Cairns Regional Council, planners are more than assessors – they are problem solvers, collaborators and city-shapers.
From small-scale developments to significant and complex proposals, your work will influence how Cairns grows, evolves, and thrives. We are looking for a Planning Officer / Senior Planning Officer who is ready to lead, mentor and drive continuous improvement.
Who This Is For
* This role is for planners who:
* Enjoy the technical challenge of development assessment
* Want exposure to diverse and complex development applications
* Value autonomy but also want to be part of a collaborative, high-performing team
* Can balance statutory compliance with pragmatic problem-solving
* Care about delivering quality outcomes, not just ticking legislative boxes
* Have worked in consultancy and want broader community impact - this is that move.
* Currently in local government and want more complexity and progression - this is that step.
* Ready to lead technically - we’re ready for you.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Assess and manage a diverse portfolio of development applications - from small-scale to significant and complex projects (level dependent).
* Apply and interpret the Planning Legislation and Council’s Planning Scheme to deliver practical, high-quality development outcomes.
* Lead and participate in pre-lodgement and project meetings, working directly with industry professionals and internal specialists.
* Provide clear, well-reasoned technical advice to Councillors, stakeholders and the community.
* Contribute to (and at senior level, lead) continuous business and process improvement initiatives.
* Mentor and support colleagues and represent Council in complex matters, including Planning and Environment Court processes (Senior level).
* Negotiate good development outcomes with both internal and external stakeholders.
Ready to be Part of Something Bigger?
Whether you’re developing your career or ready to step into technical leadership, this is your opportunity to join a high performing team that is passionate about delivering quality planning outcomes for the Cairns community. Apply now and help shape Cairns’ next chapter!
Some benefits we offer:
* Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements.
* Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
* 19-day month (with the option to apply for a 9-day fortnight)
* Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave and up to 3 weeks personal leave
* Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
* Salary sacrifice opportunities
* Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
* Relocation assistance may be available for the preferred candidate.
We are committed to:
* Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
* Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
* Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support
Now we want to hear about YOU!
Applications MUST be submitted online through the 'Apply' button and include a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria and Resume outlining previous academic and work experience and if requested include attachments of the relevant qualifications and licenses, relating to the role.
For further information about this role please download the Position Description which includes the Key Duties, Responsibilities and Selection Criteria.
Council’s Recruitment Team can be contacted via:
Phone: (07) 4044 3***
Email: ****@cairns.qld.gov.au
Website: Employment at Council | Cairns Regional Council