Cadet Town Planner

Location: Gunnedah, NSW 

Contract Type: Full Time Cadetship, 35 hours per week (Employment is based on length of training required, from up to 2 years)

Salary Range: Grade 6 ($1186.93 - $1310.15 per week + 12% Superannuation and fee-free University education equal to ~$11,000)

Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Monday 27 April 2026

A council truly passionate about community!

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.

But our commitment doesn’t stop with the community - we invest just as strongly in our people. At Gunnedah Shire Council, you’re not just taking a job, you’re building a career. We support growth, development, and long-term success, empowering our employees to thrive both professionally and personally while making a real difference in the region. 

Your Opportunity

Are you ready to build a career in town planning while gaining real, hands-on experience? Gunnedah Shire Council is offering an exciting opportunity for a Cadet Town Planner to learn on the job while working towards a Diploma in Town Planning - with financial support to complete with a tertiary education provider. This is your chance to develop practical skills in development, building, and planning right where decisions are made.

If you take pride in your community and want to help it grow and thrive, this role is for you. We’re looking for someone who is reliable, motivated, and eager to learn - someone who wants to be part of a supportive team of planning professionals and make a meaningful impact every day.

At Gunnedah Shire Council, you’ll be part of a progressive organisation that offers a varied and rewarding work environment. You’ll gain valuable experience in customer service and professional report writing, all while contributing to the development and future of the region.

In this role, you will:

• Assist in delivering Planning and Development functions, including both statutory and strategic planning

• Support professional staff in applying town planning and building legislation

• Provide high-quality customer service to both internal and external stakeholders

This is more than just a job - it’s a pathway into a rewarding career in town planning, with the support, training, and real-world experience you need to succeed.

Our next Cadet Town Planner

We’re looking for someone ready to take that first step into an exciting career in town planning.

This opportunity is open to a wide range of applicants - whether you’re recently graduated or looking for a fresh start in a new career. If you’re motivated to learn and eager to build something meaningful, we want to hear from you.

The role provides an opportunity to shape and guide development within the local community - to achieve good outcomes for the community in order to see it grow, prosper, and reduce situations that may result in conflicting land uses.

You don’t need extensive experience, just a genuine interest in urban design as well as place based and social geography, a willingness to learn, and a desire to contribute to the growth and future of our Shire. With the right attitude, we’ll provide the support, training, and guidance to help you succeed.

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong customer focus
• Ability to work autonomously without supervision
• Ability to complete complex work
• Has the ability to problem solve and implement sound judgement
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Eligibility for entry into Tertiary education (Completion of HSC or as a 'mature aged student') 

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you! 

For further information please contact Manager Development Assessment, Wade Hudson on 02 6740 2100, or view the Position Description!

Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?

Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:

 - Work only 35 hours per week!

 - Access to other planning professionals for support and mentoring during your education

 - Accrue a Rostered Day Off (RDO) every 3 weeks, helping you manage the work-life balance

 - Flexible Working Arrangements Negotiable

 - Access to 2 Health and Wellbeing days annually, allowing you to get to those important appointments

 - Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles

 - Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available - Salary Packaging Australia

 - Supportive and dynamic work environment.

 - Professional development and career growth opportunities.

 - 4 weeks annual leave

 - Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.

 - Access to employee wellbeing programs

 - Active social club

In return for your hard work and dedication, Council will also cover the cost incurred for any unit of study completed in completing the Diploma in Town Planning.

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above. It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill. If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.

Only candidates with current Australian work rights (Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens with a current passport, valid work visa) will be considered.

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes.  Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au