North Sydney Council

Graduate 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, enthusiastic and capable Graduate 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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate or early career professional to develop practical experience in development assessment, statutory planning and customer service within a supportive team environment.

The role

Working within the Assessments team, you will assist in the assessment and determination of development applications in accordance with relevant legislation, environmental planning instruments and Council policy.

This role provides valuable exposure to a wide range of planning matters and offers ongoing mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing development applications under the guidance of senior staff
• Preparing reports and correspondence relating to development applications
• Undertaking site inspections and investigations
• Providing accurate and responsive customer service to applicants and the community
• Assisting with pre lodgement enquiries
• Liaising with internal departments and external stakeholders
• Assisting with compliance, enforcement and other assessment related matters as required
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives and team development opportunities

You will work alongside experienced planning professionals in a collaborative and supportive environment focused on learning, capability development and high quality assessment outcomes.

North Sydney Council is currently ranked 13th 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 a proactive and customer focused individual who is eager to learn and build a career in development assessment and statutory planning.

You will bring:

• Tertiary qualifications (or near completion) in town planning, or a related discipline
• Knowledge of development applications and statutory planning processes
• Understanding of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Local Government Act and related legislation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated analytical and problem solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Commitment to customer service and continuous improvement
• Computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office applications
• Current NSW Class C Driver’s Licence

Previous experience in a planning-related environment will be highly regarded but is not essential.

Why work at NSC?

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: $70,959 to $84,730 per annum + $1,000 pa transport allowances + 12% superannuation

35 hours per week with access to flexi time

How to apply

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

To view the Position Description,Click Here

Closing Date: 08 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.