Town Planner | Circular Head Council
$105-110k + accommodation assistance |3-5 year contract
Live here or commute from the North-West Coast.
Circular Head is entering an important period of planning and investment, with major renewable energy and infrastructure proposals, industry investment, town centre planning and Council-led projects in the pipeline.
For an experienced planner, it’s a chance to broaden your career, work on significant projects and actually see the places, communities and industries your decisions affect.
We're particularly interested in hearing from planners with around five years' experience who understand the Tasmanian Planning Scheme and are ready to get involved from day one.
It's also a great time to join Circular Head Council, with a General Manager leading positive change and a strong focus on getting things done.
This isn't a remote planning role. We need someone who will be part of Circular Head – on the ground, understanding our places, meeting our people and working alongside the team.
But there’s more than one way to make that work.
OPTION 1: MAKE THE MOVE
Circular Head has the greenest grass, the reddest dirt and some pretty spectacular places to call home. Live in town, by the beach, in the bush or, if you've always fancied a few acres and a hobby farm, this could be the place to do it.
But one of the best reasons to live here isn't the scenery.
It's the community.
Moving somewhere new can be daunting, particularly when you're leaving your people behind. Circular Head is the kind of place where there are plenty of ways to find new ones.
Sporting clubs, arts and community groups, volunteering, fishing, boating, walking, riding and local events – there are opportunities everywhere to get involved.
It's a strong, connected community where you'll quickly start recognising people at the shops, someone will probably convince you to join a club or committee, and it doesn't take long before you're part of what's happening.
For families, it's a place where kids can grow up with space, sport, community and the outdoors around them. For adults, it's somewhere you can build a life beyond your job.
Add clean air and water, beaches, bush, great fishing, local shops, wonderful food and a fantastic pool and gym.
And we'll help make the move easier, including relocation expenses and rental subsidy for your first three months.
OPTION 2: CHANGE YOUR DRIVE.
Already living on the North-West Coast?
You may not need to move at all. For this role, we see Burnie as about the practical limit for a regular commute to Smithton.
We're looking for someone who can realistically be in Smithton at least three to four days each week. Burnie is around an hour each way, with Wynyard and surrounding areas closer again.
We already have staff who commute from this end of the Coast, so we know it can work. But we also know that a much longer commute, several days a week, isn't practical or sustainable.
And this isn't an hour crawling through city traffic. It's mostly open road, very little congestion and a pretty spectacular part of Tasmania to drive through.
We're open to talking about flexibility – including school and family commitments and working from home where the role allows – while keeping this an on-the-ground Circular Head role.
One of our regular commuters puts it this way:
“I drive to the Smithton office from Sisters Beach. The drive is relaxing – I can sit on the speed limit most of the way and there's not much traffic. Smithton has some great shops too – a big Woollies, a top butcher (MasterChef's Pezza in the CBD!), plenty of cafés – so it's an easy place to stock up while you're here. And there are no dramas finding a park.”
So, if you've been waiting for an interesting career move – or just an excuse to head a little further west – maybe this is it.
Bring your planning experience. We'll supply some of the cleanest air in the world - and the interesting work.
About the Role
We are looking for a capable and solutions-focused planning professional to join our Infrastructure and Development Services Directorate. Reporting to the Manager Planning and Regulatory Services, you will play an important role in delivering high-quality planning outcomes through the assessment of development applications, provision of professional planning advice, and support for long-term land use planning.
This role includes both statutory and strategic planning responsibilities. You will contribute to the assessment of development proposals, participate in development and project working groups, support the preparation of strategic planning documents, and provide practical advice to internal and external stakeholders. You will also assist the Manager Planning and Regulatory Services with the supervision, mentoring and training of less experienced planners and officers.
We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, exercises sound judgement, and can balance statutory requirements with practical, community-focused outcomes. You will bring a professional and constructive approach to development issues, with the confidence to work independently while also contributing positively to a small, busy team.
This is a strong opportunity for a planning professional seeking a meaningful local government role in a regional setting. You may be an established town planner looking for a lifestyle change, or a town planner ready to step into a broader role where you can build your skills, work across a diverse range of matters, and contribute to the future growth and liveability of Circular Head.
To read the position description, please click here to download.
To be successful in this role, you need:
- qualifications in town planning, urban and regional planning, or a related discipline
- at least five years of experience in statutory and strategic planning
- experience working in local government or a similar regulatory environment
- excellent problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively to resolve complex development issues and deliver practical, balanced and innovative outcomes
- a strong customer focus, with the ability to communicate clearly, manage expectations and provide practical advice while working within statutory and policy requirements
- high-level communication and report-writing skills
- a current driver’s licence
- a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and learning
An immediate start is available for the right candidate. If you are looking for a meaningful role in a team and community-oriented Council, while enjoying the lifestyle benefits of picturesque north-west Tasmania, please submit your cover letter and resume via the “Apply for this job” link.
Applications must be received by 9am Wednesday 16 September 2026.
If you are ready to help shape sustainable development, deliver quality planning outcomes and support the future growth of Circular Head, we encourage you to apply.
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Ella Dixon, Director Infrastructure and Development Services or Alison Pyke, Manager Planning and Regulatory Services on 6452 4800 during business hours.