The Planning and Urban Policy Division supports the Government’s ambition for Canberra to be a city for the people that continues to be a city in the landscape. Together with the community and other Government agencies, we support this vision through policy and strategies that make Canberra a sustainable, competitive and equitable city that is responsive to the future and resilient to change. In this role you will support urban design, strategic planning and policy projects across the Directorate and Territory as priorities evolve. This could include strategic land use planning and zoning, identifying best locations for future major infrastructure, and investigating new broadacre greenfields areas for future development potential while balancing environmental, cultural and heritage considerations. Planning Officers in the Division also play a key part in supporting the delivery of a range of actions and initiatives as outlined in the District Strategies 2023, the Planning Strategy 2018 and the City Plan 2023, and key reforms to improve urban design outcomes and the ACT’s building regulatory system. We are seeking people who will think strategically, collaborate with others in providing creative and robust advice and who are proactive in leading tasks and people. Our teams, in no particular order, are: Strategic Planning Policy is responsible for leading strategic planning and land use policies, advice and programs. Strategic Planning Projects is responsible for the delivery of planning projects that support key government priorities. Territory Plan and Coordination is responsible for administration of the Territory Plan and supporting documents, and preparation and coordination of planning advice across the Division. Design Policy and Government Architect is responsible for development of urban design policy, including design guides, providing urban design advice for planning projects with the division, the delivery of the National Capital Design Review Panel, supporting the role of the Government Architect and providing design services within the Division. Building Policy and Reform is responsible for the administration of and policy development for the ACT’s building and construction regulatory system, including regulatory reform. Consumer Protection Policy is responsible for the development of planning and development policy and projects, including legislative reform which focusses on community and consumer protection. Buildings Performance Policy is responsible for policy development for affordable, sustainable, net-zero buildings, including energy performance and supply chain decarbonisation. The team also contributes to the national reform agenda. As a Planning Officer in the Planning and Urban Policy Division you will be working in a multi-disciplinary environment that may include: Administering the Territory Plan; and/or Development and delivery of strategic planning and urban design policies, projects, and programs to facilitate land use and built form that is well planned, sustainable, and responsive to the strategic directions set by the ACT Government; and/or Development and delivery of building policy and reform projects that contribute to improving the ACT’s building regulatory system and building quality. Mentoring and supervising lower level officers. Eligibility/Other Requirements: Highly Desirable: Tertiary qualifications and/or relevant industry/professional experience in town/urban planning, urban policy, architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, environmental planning, building regulation and policy, unit titles or a related field. Visa holders are eligible to apply for both permanent and temporary roles. Those with eligible visas may be considered for permanent employment, while individuals with temporary residency or limited-duration visas may be offered permanent employment for the duration of their visas. This position does not require a Working with Vulnerable People Check. Notes: This is a temporary position available immediately for a period of six months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency. A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. How to Apply: Applicants are required to submit a two-page (maximum) pitch, font size minimum 10 point, providing concise evidence of your skills, knowledge and behaviours against the duties and the ACTPS Shared Capability Framework. Your suitability for this position will be assessed based on your skills, knowledge and behaviour in relation to the duties/responsibilities and in relation to the team you will work within. Please refer to the advertising materials for information on how to apply. Applications should be submitted via the Apply Now button below. City and Environment City and Environment Directorate was established on the 1 July 2025. This new directorate is an amalgamation of positions previously advertised under Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate and Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate. Note This is a temporary position available immediately for a period of six months with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency.
