Development Officer

Permanent Full Time | QLGIA (Stream A) Level 5

Location: Livingstone Shire Council – Lagoon Place | Reports to: Principal Planning and Development Officer   

 

Why this role matters

As a Development Officer, you will play a key role in supporting sustainable growth across the Livingstone Shire. Working within Council’s Development Assessment Team, this role provides professional development assessment and compliance services that ensure development outcomes align with Council’s planning scheme, legislative requirements and community expectations.

You will guide development proposals from assessment through to construction and survey stages, ensuring conditions of approval are met and outcomes are timely, transparent and consistent. Through sound judgement, strong communication and professional integrity, you will help balance development needs, environmental protection and community outcomes.

 

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.

What you will be doing:

This is a professional statutory planning role with strong technical and stakeholder engagement elements. You will:

• Deliver development assessments across operational works, development conditions, compliance and construction-phase activities, ensuring transparent and consistent outcomes.

• Deliver professional planning advice and manage development assessment processes, documentation and financial contributions.

• Prepare high‑quality reports and recommendations to support sound Council decision‑making.

• Coordinate technical input across Council teams to achieve balanced and compliant development outcomes.

• Support consultation activities, maintain accurate records, and uphold governance, transparency and compliance standards.

• Contribute positively to team culture by mentoring colleagues, role modelling Council values, and complying with workplace health and safety requirements.

 

What you will bring:

You are a capable and motivated development assessment professional who brings:

• Working knowledge of Queensland development assessment legislation and operational works processes Proficiency with development assessment software, corporate systems, GIS and Microsoft Office, with the ability to interpret information and coordinate project workflows

• Well-developed communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, accurate reports and provide advice to internal and external stakeholders

• Effective workload and priority management, delivering consistent and defensible outcomes in a complex, time‑sensitive environment

• Professional judgement, initiative and a commitment to ethical decision-making.
  
  

Mandatory requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in Local Government (Operational Works) or a related field and/or substantial work experience relevant to the position.

• Possession and maintenance of a current motor vehicle driver licence.

Desirable

• Experience in a local government development assessment environment.

• Understanding of infrastructure planning, civil engineering principles or construction methodologies

 

Benefits:

• Salary: $103,077 to $107,101 per annum (includes Above Award Payment) - QLGIA (Stream A) Level 5), depending on qualifications, skills and experience.

• Plus 12.5% superannuation

• Work life balance with a 9-day fortnight.

• Relocation assistance available (if eligible).

• Supportive environment that values safety, innovation, and professional growth.

• Access to Council benefits and development opportunities.

• Lifestyle: Live and work where others holiday—beaches, bushland, and a brilliant team.

 

To apply for this position, candidates must respond to the selection criteria and attach a copy of your resume and relevant qualifications/tickets or licences.

 

Applications are only accepted via Council's Recruitment Portal and close midnight Monday, 22 June 2026 (AEST).

Livingstone Shire Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.