Be part of a team driving strategic planning across Sutherland Shire, a unique environment with a diverse landscape of bushland, beaches, estuaries, wetlands, and escarpments. This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful, long-term planning that balances community needs, environmental values, and sustainable growth.
Play a central role in shaping the Sutherland Shire's future through Place Plans, policy development, and strategic projects that guide how our centres, neighbourhoods, and public spaces evolve. Your work will help ensure that Sutherland Shire remains vibrant, well-connected, and safe for residents and visitors alike.
Working within our expanding planning team, you will collaborate closely with senior staff, managers, and experienced planners. You'll have access to mentoring and professional development, allowing you to refine your expertise, take on new challenges, and influence the direction of a dynamic and growing division.
Launch Your Planning Career
Contribute to the development of land use planning strategies and policies.
Engage in collaborative projects with multidisciplinary teams.
Enhance your skills in research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
Join a dynamic team dedicated to the sustainable growth of Sutherland Shire.
About Us
Sutherland Shire Council is committed to shaping a sustainable and thriving community. Our Urban Futures team plays a pivotal role in planning the future of our region, ensuring that growth is balanced with livability and environmental stewardship.
About The Role
The Graduate Strategic Planner will be a key member of the Urban Futures team, focusing on the preparation of land use planning strategies and policies for Sutherland Shire. This role is designed for recent graduates who are eager to apply their knowledge in a practical setting while contributing to significant urban planning initiatives.
In this role, you will actively assist in research and analysis to inform planning outcomes, draught policy papers and reports, and engage with stakeholders to support collaborative decision-making processes. You will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in local government planning.
Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will possess a solid foundation in urban planning principles and be eager to engage with both internal and external stakeholders. We are looking for a motivated individual who is ready to contribute to high-impact work and grow within the organisation.
Recent tertiary qualifications in urban planning or a related discipline.
A current Driver's Licence.
Understanding of land use planning policies within a government context.
Strong research, analytical, and report writing skills.
Proficient in IT systems, with graphic design skills being advantageous.
As a Graduate Strategic Planner, you will play a critical role in supporting the Urban Futures team in delivering strategic outcomes that align with the Council's goals and values. Your contributions will directly impact the planning and development of the Sutherland Shire.
Join our Team and Grow with Us
If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council
Apply by responding to our online application questions and submitting your resume outlining why we are a great fit
Get your application in by 11.59pm: Sunday 22 February 2026
Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of the closing date
Package: From $78,717 - $83,439 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
Hours of work: Temporary Full Time. Opportunity expected to be available for up to 2 years. You will have the option of a 19 day month through Council's flex system.
To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.
Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.
Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government's Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Contract
Job function
Strategy/Planning
Industries
Government Administration