Principal Town Planner Jobs

A Principal Town Planner in Australia leads a team of planners, overseeing complex development applications, providing expert advice on land use planning, shaping strategic planning initiatives, and representing the council in hearings, while ensuring compliance with local regulations and considering social, economic, and environmental factors to create sustainable urban development within a designated area; often requiring significant experience in town planning and strong leadership skills to guide major projects and influence policy decisions. 

Key responsibilities may include:

• Leading complex planning projects:
• Managing large-scale development applications, including reviewing plans, conducting feasibility studies, and preparing detailed reports with recommendations. 
• Strategic planning:
• Contributing to the development and implementation of long-term urban planning strategies, considering future growth and community needs. 
• Stakeholder engagement:
• Facilitating community consultations, negotiating with developers, and presenting planning proposals to diverse stakeholders. 
• Policy interpretation:
• Applying relevant planning legislation and policies to assess development applications and advise on compliance. 
• Team supervision:
• Mentoring and guiding junior planners, delegating tasks, and ensuring quality standards are met. 
• Representation at hearings:
• Representing the council at planning appeals tribunals, presenting arguments, and defending planning decisions. 
• Research and analysis:
• Conducting data analysis to inform planning decisions, identifying trends, and assessing environmental impacts. 
• Environmental considerations:
• Integrating sustainability principles into planning decisions, addressing climate change impacts, and promoting green infrastructure. 

Required skills and qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification: A relevant degree in Urban Planning or a related field 
• Professional membership: Membership with the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) 
• Extensive planning experience: Demonstrated expertise in land use planning, development assessment, and policy analysis 
• Leadership abilities: Proven experience in managing teams, fostering collaboration, and providing strategic guidance 
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication to effectively convey complex planning concepts to diverse audiences 
• Analytical skills: Ability to interpret data, conduct thorough analysis, and draw informed conclusions 
• Problem-solving skills: Capacity to identify and resolve complex planning issues through creative solutions