Senior Strategic Planner - Heritage Specialist

About the Opportunity

Are you a strategic planning expert with a passion for heritage conservation? We are looking for a Senior Strategic Planner Heritage Specialist to join our team and play a key role in shaping the future of urban and heritage planning. If you thrive on delivering innovative planning solutions and leading complex projects that make a lasting impact on communities, this is your chance to contribute to meaningful change and shape the future of heritage and urban planning. 

In this role, you will lead heritage planning and conservation projects, preparing and updating strategic planning documents including heritage strategies, masterplans, LEPs, and DCPs. You’ll develop complex non-statutory plans, such as plans of management and public domain plans, while managing community consultation to ensure strong public engagement and input into heritage and strategic planning initiatives. You will provide advice to internal departments and the community on heritage related matters including DA referrals,  attending Pre-DA meetings and heritage minor works approvals.

To be successful, you will have a degree in heritage planning, strategic planning, urban or regional planning, or a related field, along with extensive experience in heritage planning, Local Government and preparing strategic documents. You will possess in depth knowledge of the Heritage Act 1977, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and other relevant legislation, with a proven ability to deliver complex strategic planning projects on time. 

To find out more about your next career opportunity: Position Description

Remuneration

$106,417 - $122,380 per annum plus superannuation and a lease-back vehicle 

The Benefits

• Full-time 35 hours per week
• Flexible work options, including hybrid work, a nine-day fortnight, or monthly rostered days off (RDO).
• 13 % Superannuation
• Salary packaging option of novated leasing available for permanent staff
• Generous leave entitlements including Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Paid Parental Leave
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to Council's Study Assistance program
• Generous corporate fitness program for you and your immediate family members 
• Weekly Health and Wellbeing programs held on site
• Free flu vaccination program
• Lease back vehicle  - Full private use available
• Free parking on-site
• Beautiful location in the picturesque Hunter Valley! 

What's Next?

If you're enthusiastic about heritage conservation and planning  we’d love to hear from you and we encourage you to apply by completing the application form below and uploading a copy of your resume. 

Your candidate suitability is determined by your responses to the selection criteria questions, for more information on how to address the selection criteria please visit our How to apply page.

Pre-Employment Screening

Please note, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake a medical assessment (including drug and alcohol testing) and other pre-employment checks, such as references, employment history checks, working with children checks or a criminal record check.

About Us

At Cessnock City Council our success is built by our people and core values. We offer you a direct connection to the community, providing opportunities to both inspire growth and sustainability in our diverse region. We're committed to building a passionate and inclusive workforce. 

We are committed to the value of respect, and we strive to have an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans and people with disabilities.

We partner with the Veterans Employment Program and the NSW Government to implement recruitment practices dedicated to supporting veterans to pursue a career in local government. Our aim is to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment.

There are options available to request adjustments. If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact recruitment@cessnock.nsw.gov.au for a confidential discussion.

Applications Close: Thursday 24 July 2025 at 11:30pm

Who to Contact: Keren Brown, Principal Strategic Planner on (02) 49934127

You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position.

Guided by staff values of integrity, respect, teamwork, accountability and excellence, Cessnock City Council is indeed an attractive, thriving Council and employer of choice.