_{25th February, 2025}

Graduate Town Planner
Permanent Position

Our Region
Ingham is uniquely positioned just over an hour north of Townsville and approximately three hours south of Cairns and is within the tropical paradise of the Hinchinbrook Shire. With Ingham at its centre, the region is surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, giant waterfalls, the Great Barrier Reef, wild beaches and tropical islands. It’s a place where breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, world-class fishing experiences, delicious, locally sourced food, inspirational art and 60,000 years of culture are all weaved into one incredible story: The Hinchinbrook Way.
  
Our Council
Hinchinbrook Shire Council is proud to be one of the largest employers in the region, with a diverse team of around 200 people working across technical, administrative, operational, and senior management roles. We’re committed to creating a fair, flexible, and supportive workplace where our staff can thrive while enjoying the unique attractions and vibrant community life of Hinchinbrook. With benefits such as a nine-day fortnight for most roles, generous superannuation, and leave entitlements, we offer opportunities to grow your career while embracing the lifestyle you love. By joining us, you’ll be part of an organisation that values its people, promotes collaboration, and strives to make a lasting, positive impact on the Hinchinbrook community.
  
What Council Offers:

• 72.5-hour fortnight with roster variations depending on the position (9-day fortnight - RDOs in accordance with Council policy)
• Up to 12.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 17.5% annual leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/parental leave
• Salary Packaging options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Accredited Mental Health First Aid Officers
• Annual Flu vaccinations + Skin Checks
• Corporate Uniforms (annual allowance) and PPE supplied

The Opportunity 
As a Graduate Town Planner, you will be responsible for the timely and accurate assessment and processing of development applications and land and tenure requests, providing customer advice and assisting in development of planning and development projects in a supportive learning environment.  The incumbent must (at a minimum) be enrolled in a recognised tertiary degree in the field of town planning, or a graduate of such a degree to be considered eligible for the role.

Key Responsibilities

• Support senior team members in creating planning policies, zoning strategies, and environmental initiatives.
• Conduct research, prepare reports, and analyse data on planning policies and local government regulations while carrying out property inspections and providing advice on applications and inquiries.
• Participate in community meetings and engagement activities to gather stakeholder input and assist with delivering educational sessions on planning, development, and compliance.
• Review and process planning and development applications, ensuring compliance with Council policies and regulations.
• Work with Council teams on urban development, sustainability, infrastructure, and environmental projects.
• Maintain records, prepare documents, and assist with implementing service delivery standards.
• Collaborate with the Regulatory Team on investigations and advice related to planning legislation and compliance.

Our Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone with a recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree in town planning or currently enrolled in such a degree. You should have general knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, and laws surrounding planning, development, and land dealings. The ideal candidate will communicate effectively through reports, emails, and conversations, demonstrating initiative, good judgement, and evidence-based decision-making.
  
Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate diplomatically and authoritatively, are essential. You should also be able to research, compile, and present accurate reports and solutions. Effective organisation, prioritisation, and time management skills are key to succeeding in this role.
  
If our values resonate with you ‘Integrity, People Focused, Excellence and Sustainability’ and you possess the following qualifications and experience, read below about how to apply:

• Possess a recognised undergraduate or post-graduate degree in the town planning profession, or be enrolled in such a degree
• General knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations and governing law surrounding planning, development and land dealings;
• Ability to effectively communicate through preparation of reports, emails and personal conversations;
• Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision, showing initiative and good judgement with identifiable outcomes and preparing decisions based on evidence;
• Sound interpersonal skills including the ability to relate in an authoritative and diplomatic manner;
• Ability to research, compile and present accurate and thorough notices, reports, ideas and solutions to arising problems;
• Well-developed level of organisational, prioritisation and time management skills;
• Legally able to drive a motor vehicle in Queensland; and
• Physical ability to attend and traverse inspections of premises which may not be easily accessible.

General Salary Information:
Range depending on qualifications and experience, Level 3 Year 1 $74,890 to Level 4 Year 1 $82,253 per annum plus superannuation.
   
The Selection Process
We welcome candidates to inform us of any adjustments they may need to ensure a supportive and inclusive recruitment experience and workplace environment. Hinchinbrook Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and disadvantaged job seekers to apply.

Celebrating the rich diversity of our community, we are dedicated to attracting and employing people who reflect the community we serve. We value and respect the unique contributions of our employees and are committed to fostering an inclusive and safe workplace where everyone is supported to reach their full potential.

Please note that only individuals with the right to work in Australia are eligible to apply. As part of the recruitment process, the preferred candidate will need to undertake a National Police Check and pre-employment medical assessments, which may include drug and alcohol testing, to confirm their ability to meet the role's inherent requirements.

How to Apply 
To apply, submit your application online by clicking 'Apply For Job' and follow the steps. Please provide:

1. A current resume
2. A cover letter addressing the “Our Ideal Candidate” section (max. 2 pages).

Applications close on ‘Tuesday 18 March 2025, at 5.00pm AEST’

Applications that do not meet the above requirements may not be shortlisted. The advertisement will be closed either when a successful applicant is identified or on the application close date, whichever is sooner.
  
For More Information:
Thank you for your consideration and interest in this position. For a confidential discussion, contact Development and Regulatory Services Manager – Paul Cohen on 07 4776 4649.

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