THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION
THIS POSITION IS BASED IN FREMANTLE
(COMMUTING TO ROTTNEST ISLAND AS REQUIRED)
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON TUESDAY, 7 JULY 2026
Job Description
The Senior Development Planning Officer will be responsible for management and delivery of development planning assessment projects for Rottnest Island. This position will be required to ensure that project outcomes are met within specified timeframes and strategic objectives are met. This will include leading the project teams, liaison with internal and external stakeholders, coordination of consultants, planning and management of project tasks, managing budgets and drafting high-level Board, Executive and tender documentation.
At the Rottnest Island Authority (RIA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will demonstrate Personal Leadership to help drive positive change.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should address the following essential criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total. Desirable criteria will be assessed as required.
Essential
- Tertiary qualification in development planning or similar, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience in management of development planning assessments including drafting all planning documentation, provision of planning advice, coordination of internal and external stakeholders, referrals to external agencies and management of planning project delivery.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills including strong influencing/negotiating skills and the ability to draft quality documents for presentation to a Board or senior level managers.
- Conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills including ability in interpreting and applying relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
- Applies and promotes the principles of equity, diversity and work health and safety in the workplace.
Desirable
- Experience with management of heritage and environmental issues relating to development planning.
About Us
We are a statutory authority of the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.
For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.
Benefits of working with us
In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
- 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.
- Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
- A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
- Well-established learning and development programs.
Relocation Costs: A proportion of relocation costs may be covered at the discretion of the RIA.
How to apply:
All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:
- a covering letter.
- a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than three (3) pages.
- current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.
For further job-related information: contact Claire Piper, Director Contracts and Planning on 0455 627 136 or for further information about RIA, visit https://www.ria.wa.gov.au/.
We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the values of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. 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.
Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:
- A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.
Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status.
A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.
Substantive Equality Statement
RIA supports and values diversity and aims to build a workforce that is representative of the community we live in. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse background and people with disability. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace.
For adjustments required in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, please contact the selection panel convenor.
If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.
Similar appointments may be made from this process within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.
