Assistant Planning Officer

Permanent Full-Time
QLGIA (Stream A) – Level 4
Location: Yeppoon
Reports to: Principal Planning Officer

 Start Your Planning Career With Us

Livingstone Shire Council is committed to building sustainable, well‑planned and resilient communities. As an Assistant Planning Officer, you will support the delivery of high‑quality planning and development assessment services while developing foundational skills in statutory planning.

This role is ideal for someone starting their planning career or looking to further develop their capabilities in a supportive, collaborative team environment.

About Us

Livingstone Shire sits along the stunning Capricorn Coast, covering 11,776 square kilometres and home to nearly 43,000 residents. Since its formation in 2013, Council has grown into a values-driven organisation with around 400 staff committed to delivering for our community.

Our region is known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant community spirit. It’s a place where connection matters, and where nature and opportunity live side by side.

Council’s culture is built on Accountability, Teamwork, Community, Potential, and Positivity; values that guide how we work and how we lead.

Our vision is to be A prosperous region for families, business, and future generations. We are committed to creating a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community where people thrive, nature is protected, and innovation drives progress.

Our work is guided by four strategic pillars:

1.  Growth to Fund Service Delivery - Strategic investments and development to create sustainable revenue streams that support quality community services.

2.  Services That Meet Customer Expectations - Responsive, accessible and high-quality services that address the evolving needs of residents and businesses.

3.  Efficiency in Delivery - Streamlined processes, elimination of red tape, and smart resource allocation to maximise value for ratepayers and opportunity for Business diversity and growth.

4.  Protecting Our Natural Resources - Creating opportunity to protect and value Livingstone’s natural resources for future generations, whilst encouraging sustainable consumption of resources across our region.

Why this role matters

Development assessment plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Shire. In this role, you will support assessments, customer enquiries, compliance activities and coordinated planning outcomes that contribute to consistent and defensible planning decisions.

You will work closely with senior officers, gaining valuable experience in applying planning legislation, interpreting planning schemes and assisting with day‑to‑day development functions.

What you will doing:

• Every day will bring opportunities to learn and contribute. You will:

• Assist with administering and applying Council’s planning scheme and legislation by undertaking basic assessments and supporting routine planning functions.

• Support development application assessments by completing preliminary checks, gathering information and contributing to planning recommendations under supervision.

• Provide routine planning information and advice to applicants, internal staff and the community, referring complex matters to senior officers.

• Assist with preparing planning reports, correspondence and documentation to ensure accuracy and consistency.

• Support compliance activities by monitoring approvals, gathering information and undertaking preliminary site observations.

• Participate in stakeholder engagement by documenting discussions, clarifying requirements and supporting senior officers during negotiations.

• Contribute to team operations, integrated assessment processes and community engagement activities while modelling professionalism and Council values.

 What you will bring:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Foundational knowledge of Queensland planning legislation, related legislation and planning scheme operation, with the ability to learn and apply these under supervision.

• Ability to assist in development assessment by undertaking checks, gathering information and interpreting basic plans and documents.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to support customer enquiries and contribute to reports.

• Good organisational and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to manage allocated tasks and escalate complex matters.

• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

• Competency with, or the ability to quickly learn, systems such as GIS, records management and development assessment software.

Mandatory Requirements

• Substantial work experience relevant to assisting in planning, development assessment or related regulatory functions

• Possess and maintain a current motor vehicle driver licence.

Desirable

• Experience in a local government development assessment environment.

Benefits:

• Work-life balance: 9‑day fortnight and live and work in one of Queensland’s most enviable coastal communities.

• Culture: Supportive team, strong organisational values, and opportunities for
  professional growth.

• Impact: Directly influence the quality, safety and sustainability of development across
  the Shire.

Ready to shape the future of development in Livingstone?

Apply now via our recruitment portal. Be sure to include your resume and address the selection criteria.

Applications close midnight Monday, 30 March 2026 (AEST).

Livingstone Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.