The Senior Planning Officer (Statutory) plays a key part in facilitating the orderly and proper development of the City of Subiaco, within the guidelines of accepted town planning practices. 

The key responsibilities of this role include:

• Assess and manage a range of statutory planning matters, including complex development applications, subdivision and amalgamation proposals, strata title applications, signage applications, and public submissions relating to development proposals. 
• Determine planning matters under delegated authority, including development approvals, street numbering, subdivision matters and condition clearances.
• Investigate unauthorised activities and complaints within the City relating to planning matters
• Undertake preliminary assessments of development proposals, identifying potential planning issues and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, planning schemes and City policies.
• Prepare correspondence and reports in relation to applications for review lodged with the State Administrative Tribunal, and attend to SAT matters where necessary
• Prepare reports, correspondence and recommendations relating to planning application, associated matters, and applications for review lodged with the State Administrative Tribunal.
• Manage workflows and undertake research, surveys and investigations to support the assessment of planning proposals. 
• Assess development applications and subdivision or amalgamation proposals referred by State agencies (such as Development WA, and Western Australian Planning Commission) for comment.
• Investigate unauthorised development and respond to planning complaints. 
• Undertake property inspections for development, subdivision, amalgamation strata title proposals to ensure compliance with the City's planning framework and other relevant requirements, and negotiate with property owners or applicants to resolve any non-compliance issues. 
• Liaise and negotiate with applicants, landowners, neighbours, the community and other stakeholders regarding development proposals and planning matters, including providing professional planning advice and responding to enquiries. 
• Check and clear building licence applications for planning compliance. 
• Prepare reports for Council consideration. 
• Implement and action Council resolutions 
• Provide professional advice on planning matters to support Council decision making. 
• Implement and maintain planning, systems, programs, and projects to ensure high town planning standards in accordance with statutory obligations, operational procedures and City policies. 
• Support the Strategic Planning Team with planning advice and input where required. 

Further information on the requirements of the role can be found in the position description, which can be requested by emailing recruitment@subiaco.wa.gov.au, referencing this position title.

Essential Criteria:

• Tertiary qualification in planning or a related discipline.  
• Considerable expertise in development control and an ability to negotiate and liaise with developers and the community, with experience dealing with significant and complex development applications
• Considerable experience with and knowledge of WA Planning legislation, Local Planning Schemes, development control, subdivision, policy application, and related procedures. 
• Considerable experience in development, subdivision, policy application, and related procedures. 
• Proven ability to liaise and negotiate effectively with developers, applicants, landowners, neighbours, government agencies, and the community, managing complex or contentious planning matters. 
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, correspondence, and recommendations for diverse audiences. 
• Experience mentoring and supporting planning services staff, collaborating with internal teams, and contributing to strategic planning initiatives. 
• Skilled in administering multiple applications, inspections, and planning workflows with a focus on process improvement, customer service, and professional integrity. 

Salary Package:

In line with the City of Subiaco Inside Staff Industrial Agreement 2025, this position is classified as a Level 8. The salary range is $122,200 to $130,520.00 per annum, exclusive of superannuation. 

Working for the City of Subiaco:

We are committed to equal opportunity employment and offer great benefits to help you achieve a positive work-life balance, including (but not limited to):

• Up to five weeks of annual leave plus the option to accrue time in lieu.
• Sustainable travel allowance or a parking permit
• Free membership to Lords Recreation Centre
• Health Insurance Corporate Membership discounts
• Superannuation co-contributions
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Novated lease and salary packaging options
• Learning and development options

See what other benefits the City can offer you here: https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/your-council/who-we-are-en/working-here/benefits

Application process:

To apply for this position, please click Apply or alternatively Apply with Seek to submit your application. You will be asked to upload a CV and a cover letter to support your application. To be considered for the role, it is essential that you demonstrate in your application how you meet the essential criteria. You should ensure that the information you provide in your application is relevant to the job role and is a true and accurate reflection of your experience and skillset.

As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We recognise that we are strengthened by diversity and are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment in which everyone is included and treated fairly with respect. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia.

The closing date for applications is 5:00pm, 27 March 2026. Applications may be considered, and interviews conducted, prior to the closing date. If you are interested in this position, we highly recommend you submit an application as soon as you are able to. We reserve the right to close the advertisement before the listed date.