- Permanent, full-time position
- Flexible working arrangements
- Work in a collaborative environment focused on teamwork and development
Who we are:
Join the City of Salisbury during a dynamic time of growth and transformation. We are focused on facilitating projects and initiatives that create a progressive, sustainable, and connected community, including a $200 million redevelopment of our City Centre. Be part of the team shaping Salisbury’s future as a vibrant hub to live, work, and play.
With over 30 suburbs spanning 158.1 km2 and home to 148,000 people, the City of Salisbury is the second most populated local government in metropolitan Adelaide and the fourth largest local government, making it one of the most significant Council areas in South Australia.
The Development Services Division is responsible for statutory functions of Council associated with development and provides high levels of customer service centred on efficient and consistent processes that provides certainty for all customers of the service and the community. The team collaborates with all our stakeholders in order to deliver a high level of customer service with a focus on achieving results that benefit the community.
About the Role:
As a Senior Building Development Officer Planner, you will partner with the Team Leader to coordinate the assessment of development applications and allocate work across the broader team. You’ll take a lead role in guiding, mentoring, and supporting your colleagues while providing specialist planning advice to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. With a strong focus on improving built form outcomes, you will actively lead problem solving, negotiate complex matters, and influence continuous improvement initiatives aligned with the Planning and Design Code. You will also contribute to forward planning, strategic initiatives, and high-level decision making on significant, complex, and sometimes controversial development applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the coordination and allocation of development applications within the team.
- Provide mentoring and direction to staff on complex and difficult development assessments and compliance matters.
- Assess and determine development applications, including significant and complex proposals, under delegation.
- Deliver high-level, expert planning advice to internal and external stakeholders including the Council Assessment Panel and Elected Members.
- Guide and train team members on planning legislation, procedures, and policies.
- Critically analyse and contribute to continuous process improvements to support high-quality development outcomes.
- Build strong, supportive relationships across the team and wider organisation.
- Contribute to strategic and forward planning initiatives in collaboration with the Assessment Manager.
- Promote and maintain a high standard of customer service in all development matters.
- Prepare and present reports to the Council Assessment Panel and other relevant forums.
To be successful, you will have:
- A tertiary qualification in Urban and/or Regional Planning or equivalent.
- Significant experience assessing complex and controversial development applications.
- A proactive, solution-focused approach with strong decision-making capabilities.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a range of audiences.
- High-level knowledge of relevant planning and development legislation, codes, and standards.
- Advanced negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with the ability to mentor and support others.
- Demonstrated time management and prioritisation skills in a fast-paced environment.
Why join us?
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Employees at City of Salisbury enjoy a robust benefits package including health and wellness programs designed to support your overall well-being including skin checks, health seminars, flu vaccinations and free access to counselling sessions for you or your immediate family through our Employee Assistance Programs.
- Professional Development Opportunities: The City prioritises continuous learning and career growth, offering employees access to training workshops, seminars, study leave, and tuition reimbursement programs to enhance your skills and expertise.
- Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Recognising the importance of work-life balance, City of Salisbury promotes flexible work arrangements and generous leave policies, flexi-time and opportunities to purchase additional annual leave.
- Inclusive and Supportive Workplace Culture: Diversity and inclusivity are core values at City of Salisbury, fostering a supportive environment where all employees are valued and respected.
- Community Engagement: Employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through various community engagement initiatives supported by the City of Salisbury.
These outstanding working conditions reflect City of Salisbury's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent, promoting employee well-being, and fostering a positive and productive work environment.
If you're a confident and collaborative planner who thrives on tackling complex development issues and shaping great outcomes for the community — we want to hear from you.
Apply now and help shape the future of our city.
For further information, contact Krystle Ibane on 0457 087 699.
Applications close on 6th July 2025.
