* Casual opportunity available while completing university studies
* Currently studying a Bachelor of Urban Planning or other related degree and a third or fourth year student at University.
* ($35.99 per hour + superannuation) based on skills, qualifications and experience
Why Choose Us
Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle.
Our organisation provides and maintains close to $9 billion worth of community assets including water and wastewater network and treatment plants, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more.
We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city.
We are driving economic diversity and cultivating an enriching lifestyle, growing a city for this and future generations by building a vibrant, sustainable and innovative city.
Council's vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and to be led by our community to create an exciting today and future.
Our Vision: A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature.
Our Purpose: Grow Townsville
Our Values: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Enjoyment
About the Role
As a Student Planner you will be responsible for working with the development industry to ensure the best possible outcome for Townsville and that development enhances our lifestyle and sense of community. You will buddy up with qualified and experienced planners to acquire basic development assessment knowledge, report writing, communication, investigative, analytical and research skills.
Your contribution will be monitored, and tasks will be allocated to you by the Coordinator, Development Assessment, working with a team of four planners who will provide mentoring, in addition to the engineering, administrative and other internal support services. The casual student planner role would cease when the person completes their university studies.
About You
* Currently studying a Bachelor of Urban Planning or other related degree where the relevant skills can still be applied (i.e. Bachelor of Environmental Science).
* Display a sound level of customer service, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
* Basic verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate accurately and concisely with both internal and external clients and stakeholders.
* Basic level of prioritisation and time management skills including the ability to identify, plan and organise own work objectives.
* Ability to develop knowledge and understanding of processes and procedures within the technical areas of Development Assessment and Strategic Planning.
* Ability to actively participate in a team environment to contribute towards achieving strategic and operational outcomes, and to positively contribute to team morale and meet client needs.
* Developing knowledge of the development assessment process (IDAS and DA Rules).
* Developing knowledge of Town Planning principles.
How to Apply
Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume and attached copies of any licences and qualifications as per the key requirements of the role.
If you wish to discuss this position further, please contact Phillipa Galligan via email
For further information review the Position Description.
Closing Date: 11.45pm, Friday 23rd January 2026
What We Offer
* Long Service Leave available pro rata after seven years
* Salary Sacrifice opportunities
* Learning and Development opportunities
* Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities
* Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
* Employee Assistance Program
* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.
We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply
All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a 'zero tolerance' policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.
If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact or phone for a confidential discussion.