Student Planner

Student Landuse Planner

Term Contract - Full-time – January 2027 to December 2027

Help us plan for a vibrant, sustainable future in Lake Macquarie!

• Greater workplace flexibility including hybrid working arrangements, 4-day condensed work week trial and 9-day fortnight
• This role offers the chance to kickstart your planning career while contributing to meaningful projects that directly impact the community
• Be part of a supportive and professional team committed that values learning and development

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

Our Integrated Planning department are seeking a motivated Student Planner to join our Strategic Planning team. This is a unique opportunity to develop your skills in strategic land use planning and urban design while contributing to projects that will help shape the long-term aspirations of our city.

As a Student Planner, you will assist with implementing the Lake Macquarie Local Strategic Planning Statement and work on a variety of projects that support our city’s growth, sustainability, and community vision. You will gain hands-on experience working both independently (with mentoring) and as part of small project teams.

Your other key focus areas are;

• Assisting with strategic planning and urban design projects.
• Developing your skills in assessing planning proposals, development control plan amendments, and land use strategies.
• Supporting staff with community and stakeholder consultation.
• Undertaking research and preparing reports to recommend planning solutions.
• Learning to apply legislation, policies, and best practice in strategic planning.

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

The position may require:

• weekend or after-hours work
• work across multiple sites
• travel

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are passionate about shaping vibrant, sustainable communities and excited to contribute fresh ideas to planning projects that make a real difference. With strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset, you value diverse perspectives and bring enthusiasm for learning and growth. Your academic knowledge and commitment to developing practical skills will help you thrive in this role and contribute meaningfully to our city’s future.

Specifically, you will have:

• Currently enrolled (or deferred) in a university degree in Urban and Regional Planning or a related field (Development Studies, Social Science, Environmental Science, Economics) during the employment period, and at commencement of the role, must have completed a minimum of half the relevant course requirements.
• Strong academic results and a willingness to share new knowledge
• Less than 6 months’ paid experience in planning or a related role.
• Strong communication, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Team player with a customer service focus and proficiency in Microsoft 365.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

• Salary from $1,600.26 - $1,859.77 a week plus 12% Superannuation
• 35 hour working week with hybrid work model and flexible working hours
• 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 program (EAP).
• We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference, right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety. Providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority.
• Career development opportunity
• Work in one of the most picturesque regions of NSW, with the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie right on your doorstep.
• Along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac!

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 this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Get your application in by midnight, Sunday 29 November 2026.
• For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Iain Moore, Coordinator Strategic Landuse Planning, via email ismoore@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.
• If you need assistance or an adjustment when submitting your application, please click here or contact Isabelle Field, Early Careers Partner, on 02 4921 0022 or via email ifield@lakemac.nsw.gov.au.
• Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you!
• To view the Capability Framework – Role Profile relevant to this role, please click here.
• To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.
• 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 which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.