North Sydney Council

Senior Assessment Officer

Ready to step up and work on complex, high impact development applications in one of Sydney’s most active LGAs?

North Sydney Council is seeking a motivated, experienced and capable Senior Assessment Officer to join our Development Services team.

North Sydney Council administers a vibrant and evolving local government area on Sydney’s lower North Shore. Our 400 employees support a community of 77,000 residents across a compact, high-profile LGA known for its harbour foreshore, strategic location, and significant development activity.

The role

We are seeking a confident and capable planning professional to manage complex development applications and contribute to high quality, timely and defensible assessment outcomes.

This is a hands on technical role where you will:

• Assess and report on complex development applications in accordance with legislative requirements and Council policy
• Prepare clear, accurate and well-structured reports for delegated and panel determinations
• Provide high level statutory planning advice to staff, applicants and the community
• Manage application timeframes and contribute to Council’s performance against NSW Planning Portal benchmarks
• Undertake pre lodgement meetings, site inspections and respond to public enquiries
• Liaise with internal teams, state agencies and stakeholders to facilitate effective planning outcomes
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, policies and procedures within Development Services
• Provide guidance and technical support to other staff and contribute to team capability
• Represent Council in planning appeals, including acting as an expert witness where required

North Sydney Council is currently ranked 14th across Metro Sydney on the NSW Planning Portal league table, a strong result that reflects our focus on continuous improvement and accountability. This role plays a key part in maintaining and improving that performance.

With ongoing NSW planning reforms and increasing expectations around assessment efficiency and transparency, you will also contribute to process improvements and system enhancements that support smarter, faster decision making.

The person

This role will suit an experienced planning professional who is ready to take ownership of more complex work and continue building their career.

You will bring:

• 5 years of experience in development assessment within local government or a similar environment
• Strong working knowledge of the NSW planning system, including merit-based assessment and statutory processes
• Demonstrated ability to assess and critique development proposals and negotiate balanced outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong time management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and attention to detail
• Experience in or understanding of Land and Environment Court processes

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, be confident taking ownership of your work, and be motivated to deliver quality outcomes that stand up to scrutiny.

Why work at North Sydney Council?

We are committed to building a high-performing, collaborative and supportive workplace where people can do their best work.

Our Development Services team has recently undergone internal reforms focused on process improvement, team capability and performance outcomes, positioning us strongly to meet the evolving demands of the NSW planning system.

Working here means exposure to a wide range of complex and interesting applications, with opportunities to build your technical skills, confidence and professional profile.

Our Civic Centre is located directly across from the Victoria Cross Metro Station, providing fast, direct access to the Sydney CBD and making your daily commute simple and efficient.

North Sydney Council offers a range of benefits, including:

• Prime location with excellent public transport connectivity
• 35-hour working week with access to flexi-time
• Flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport access
• Health and wellbeing programs (including flu vaccinations, skin checks and classes)
• Employee Assistance Program and financial counselling
• Transport allowance
• Learning, development and career progression opportunities
• A supportive and high-performing team culture

Salary range: $107,336 to $128,169 per annum+ 12% superannuation

(Market allowance of up to $9,000 pa to be negotiated with the successful candidate)

35 hours per week with access to flexi time

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit a resume and respond to the screening questions below.

To view the Position DescriptionClick Here

Closing Date: 04 June 2026 - 11.30pm

North Sydney Council is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity in order to provide a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. North Sydney Council also adheresto the principles of a child safe organisation and is committed to the care and protection of all children and young people.We strongly encourage candidates from wide-ranging backgrounds, identities and experiences to apply.