The Hills Shire Council

Planning Portal Officer

Readvertised Position, Previously Applicants Need Not Apply

Are you a customer focused, planning para-professional? An exciting opportunity exists at The Hills Shire Council for a suitably experienced paraprofessional or emerging town planner to join our Customer Services Team’s Development Advisory Service as a Planning Portal Officer.
This position is responsible for the efficient and timely vetting of incoming applications submitted to Council through the NSW Planning Portal in accordance with relevant Council operating procedures, Acts, Regulations, and policies of State Government. The position also provides internal and external customer services (in person, on phone, and in writing) related to Portal and non-complex development matters.

Working with us:
At The Hills Shire Council, we live our values of Honesty, Integrity, Loyalty, Leadership and Safety through the work that we perform for the Community. We are committed to an inclusive, diverse and supportive workplace culture where our people and customers feel respected and valued. Council also prides itself on being a Child Safe Organisation that is committed to promoting the health, safety, welfare and wellbeing of children and young people in our community.

What the roles looks like:
• Resolve customer phone and online enquiries.
• Review incoming development applications.
• Maintain the development tracking system. and NAR (Name & Address Register).
• Process customer transactions.
• Assist with maintenance of standard operating procedures and processes.

What we are seeking in our new team members:
• Certificate IV in Local Government (Planning) or equivalent.
• Sound understanding of NSW Environmental Planning Instruments
• Sound understanding of Development Assessment Process
• Demonstrated experience in using the NSW Planning Portal
• Demonstrated experience in Plan Reading
• 3 years in a similar role

Benefits of working with us:
A salary of $81K per annum (excluding superannuation), paid weekly. Opportunities for training to keep your skills up to date. An opportunity for bonus payments and to participate in wellbeing initiatives and benefits available to staff through our EBA and other programs.

Next steps:
Please review the Position Description and apply via Council’s Careers Page, Careers at Council by 5pm on 5 June 2026. As applications will be processed upon receipt, early submission is encouraged.

People with disabilities, who meet the selection criteria, are encouraged to apply. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or if you need any other assistance with submitting your application, please feel free to contact the HR team at [email protected]

Please note that recruitment and offers of employment is subject to pre-employment checks including: Psychometric Testing, Reference Checks, Identity Check, Medical checks (including Drug and Alcohol Screening), Working With Children (where applicable), and Criminal History. We assess applications on merit and suitability related to the inherent requirements of the position. Only people with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.