Development Compliance Officer

Development Compliance Officer

Permanent full-time | 35 hours

Help protect our community and ensure responsible development across Lake Macquarie.

• Investigate development and land use compliance matters that affect our community.
• Put your investigation, negotiation and problem-solving skills into action in a varied regulatory role.
• Help achieve fair and practical outcomes that protect community amenity and support responsible development.

LET'S EXPLORE THE JOB

Our Environmental Compliance team is looking for a Development Compliance Officer to help ensure building work and land use across Lake Macquarie comply with relevant legislation, development consents and Council requirements.

You’ll investigate complaints about unauthorised building work, unauthorised land use and development that has not been carried out in accordance with consent. From conducting site inspections and gathering evidence to providing advice, negotiating outcomes and taking enforcement action when required, you’ll play an important role in supporting a safe, fair and compliant community.

Working with residents, property owners, developers, businesses and other stakeholders, you’ll use your judgement, communication and investigation skills to resolve complex issues while balancing customer service with Council’s regulatory responsibilities.

If you enjoy getting to the bottom of an issue, working with people and finding practical solutions within a legislative framework, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community.

What you'll be doing

• Investigate complaints and conduct inspections relating to unauthorised building work, land use and development that does not comply with approvals.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, development consents, Council policies and procedures to assess compliance matters.
• Provide timely, accurate and practical advice to customers and stakeholders about their obligations and the steps required to address non-compliance.
• Build constructive relationships and use negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution skills to achieve appropriate compliance outcomes.
• Prepare and serve statutory notices, orders and other regulatory documentation in accordance with relevant legislation.
• Manage a diverse caseload, prioritising inspections, investigations, follow-up actions and enforcement activities.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports, supporting evidence and documentation, including representing Council in court when required.

The position may require:

• Travel between sites
• Work outside normal business hours
• Attendance at court representing Council
• Ongoing professional development

Read the position statement here and learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are a confident and fair-minded professional who can investigate issues, interpret requirements and communicate effectively with people in a range of circumstances. You’re comfortable having challenging conversations, exercising sound judgement and explaining decisions in a clear, respectful and professional manner.

You understand the importance of balancing customer service with regulatory responsibilities and can manage competing priorities while maintaining accurate records and documentation.

You will bring;

• A Certificate IV in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience and working knowledge in investigations, compliance, enforcement, building, planning or a related field.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, particularly the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Local Government Act 1993, as they relate to building work and land use.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including investigation, negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated experience providing a high standard of customer service and working constructively with stakeholders to resolve challenging issues.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a high-volume workload, prioritise competing demands and meet deadlines.
• Competent computer skills, including record keeping, research and report writing.
• A current Class C Driver Licence.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

• Competitive salary from $90,202 - $104,831 per year plus 12% superannuation
• Enjoy greater work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work options and the choice of a 4-day condensed 35-hour working week or a 9-day fortnight.
• Leaseback Vehicle
• A permanent opportunity to build your career in a professional regulatory environment.
• Meaningful work that supports community amenity and responsible development across Lake Macquarie.
• A varied role combining field inspections, investigations, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving.
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive team environment committed to quality service and continuous improvement.
• We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous, discounted gym memberships through our Corporate Fitness program, connect with colleagues through our social club, be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance (EAP) program
• Click here to view more perks on offer!

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

• If you’re ready to put your investigation skills to work, build constructive stakeholder relationships and help achieve fair and practical compliance outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.
• Submit your resume and responses to the application questions by midnight, Sunday 8 November 2026
• For enquiries about the role, contact Jock Graham, Group Lead Environmental Compliance on 02 4921 0306 or via email jgraham@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• For recruitment enquiries contact Georgina Green, Talent Attraction Partner, on 02 4921 0495 or via email ggreen@lakemac.nsw.gov.au
• Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, please get in touch — we're here for you!
• Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment