The Development Officer assists in ensuring significant development approvals comply with the determinations issued by the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) under the Planning and Development Act 2005 and relevant binding legislation.

The role supports the Development Coordinator in the day-to-day operations and contributes to the ongoing review of processes and procedures to ensure the delivery of Department and State government priorities, providing a quality environment for all Western Australian communities.

This recruitment process is for a permanent full-time position. This process may be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions that may arise within the Department and across the WA public sector in the next 12 months from the initial date of appointment. 

Personal attributes and/or organisational requirements will also be considered during the recruitment and selection process.

To be successful for this position, you need to demonstrate: 

• Well-developed written communication and interpersonal skills and ability to engage and communicate with a broad range of stakeholders in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake research, analyse information, and quality assure information to provide sustainable recommendations.
• Experience in a range of planning matters including planning principles and practices, and interpretation and implementation of policy and legislation.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting maps and plans.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in conducting sensitive, critical and complex investigations, including negotiation and conflict resolution and collecting and providing evidence on development matters in both court and at the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
• Demonstrate the behaviours within the Personal leadership context as outlined below.

Core leadership behaviours outlined in Leadership Expectations are applicable to this role and should be demonstrated in the context of Personal Leadership. The Personal Leadership context is about the work of individuals not yet in traditional leadership positions who make a direct and immediate difference to the agency.

The expected behaviours may be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.

About us

Our Perth office is centrally located in the CBD, above the Perth Underground rail station and close to major transport links.  We also have a number of offices located in the regions.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage is an attractive proposition, please visit the Department page on the DPLH website.

We have a comprehensive  Applicant Information Pack to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you.

Benefits of Working at DPLH

DPLH offers a broad range of benefits including but not limited to:

• Access to flexible working arrangements including working from home or alternate work locations for enhanced work life balance.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• Comprehensive learning and professional development opportunities.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
• Leave for study, bereavement, foster caring and parenting
• Free access to a confidential employee assistance program (EAP) for you and your family, which includes psychology and counselling services.

 How to apply: All applications are submitted online. Select ‘Apply for Job’, located at either top or bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• Comprehensive CV that clearly shows your skills, experience, and key achievements,
  including the details of two referees, with at least one being your current or recent manager or supervisor.
• A maximum two‑page cover letter clearly demonstrating your skills and experience against the position requirements, as detailed above and in the JDF.

Further Information: 

If you would like to know more, please give Nadine Wellington a call on (08) 6552 4146 or email Nadine.Wellington@dplh.wa.gov.au to discuss the role in further detail. Please do not send your application to Nadine Wellington or to seek their assistance with lodging your application. 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Jake Louthean or Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Jake at 0428429486 or Barb at 0408 895 002 or alternatively email us at aboriginalemployment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.

Accessibility: If you have any communication or access needs that require adjustment to allow you to participate in this recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:

• TTY/voice calls – 133 677
• Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727
• SMS relay – 0423 677 767

Special Requirements for this position:

The Department will conduct a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check for applicants successful to this recruitment process. 

To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector it is essential that you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period of the contract.  

Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted. 

If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, contact ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com, or please call (08) 6551 9419 for any other queries.

DPLH reserves the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date should circumstances around the vacancy change.

Closing Date – 20 August 2026 @ 4:00pm AWST