About the Opportunity Are you passionate about working on complex development proposals and planning matters that shape our community? An exciting opportunity is available for an Executive Planner within Council’s Development Services team. In this role you will provide high level specialist and technical advice on complex development matters and assess major, sensitive and regionally significant development applications in accordance with legislation, Council Plans and Policies. Working within a collaborative team environment, you will engage with internal staff, government agencies, the development industry and the broader community to navigate complex planning matters and achieve balanced planning outcomes. To be successful in this role, you will need a degree in planning or a related field, along with experience in assessing complex and significant development applications. You will provide high-level specialist advice and work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to deliver practical solutions, contributing to the ongoing improvement of Council’s development services. To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description Remuneration $122,732 - $141,142 per annum plus superannuation and a leaseback vehicle (full time equivalent) The Benefits 35 hours per week Flexible work arrangement options including hybrid work arrangements, option of nine-day fortnight or monthly RDO 14% superannuation Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years Paid Parental Leave Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site Free flu vaccination program Lease back vehicle - Full private use available Free parking on-site Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley! What's Next? We encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page. Pre-Employment Screening Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check. About Us At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA community, veterans and people with disabilities. We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment. There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion. Applications Close: Thursday 26 March 2026 at 11.30pm Who to Contact: Sue Page, Development Services Manager on (02) 4993 4182 You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position. Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.