Planning Projects Officer
RPS
Date: 14 hours ago
City: Mackay, Queensland
Contract type: Full time

Help Shape North Queensland’s Future Through Powerful and Persuasive Writing
At RPS, our Planning team in Mackay is playing an important role in guiding regional growth and shaping resilient, thriving communities. We are looking for a Planning Project Officer to join our local team and help deliver high-quality development applications and planning submissions that support great project outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a literate and motivated communicator who is interested in planning, development, and local government processes. You do not need to be a qualified planner - we are seeking someone with strong writing skills, sound judgement, and a genuine interest in legislation, policy and place-making.
The Role
As part of our experienced and collaborative planning team, you will:
You will be a great fit for this role if you have:
At RPS, you will be part of a respected consultancy with a strong national presence and deep local knowledge. We are committed to supporting your professional growth through clear career pathways, continuous learning and a culture of collaboration, curiosity and impact.
We Offer
This is a unique opportunity to be part of shaping real development outcomes in North Queensland - without needing a technical planning background. If you love writing, policy, and contributing to meaningful projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Approach
Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.
Stronger together is one of our five core behaviours and it is key to building a collaborative workplace. We encourage everyone to bring their best and to support others to do the same. By sharing knowledge, challenging each other to think differently, and fostering an environment of trust and respect, our people can learn, grow and thrive – and share in our success.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
At RPS, our Planning team in Mackay is playing an important role in guiding regional growth and shaping resilient, thriving communities. We are looking for a Planning Project Officer to join our local team and help deliver high-quality development applications and planning submissions that support great project outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a literate and motivated communicator who is interested in planning, development, and local government processes. You do not need to be a qualified planner - we are seeking someone with strong writing skills, sound judgement, and a genuine interest in legislation, policy and place-making.
The Role
As part of our experienced and collaborative planning team, you will:
- Craft well-researched and compelling development proposals, planning reports and written submissions.
- Turn complex planning frameworks and legislation into clear, persuasive narratives.
- Assist with site reviews and investigations that inform the preparation of planning documents.
- Liaise with clients, consultants and local authorities under the guidance of senior planners.
- Contribute to high-quality advice and documentation across a broad mix of local projects.
You will be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an eye for detail and an ability to write persuasively.
- A strong interest in planning legislation, local government systems, and how policy influences development.
- A qualification in law, communications, arts, or a related discipline.
- The ability to research, distil and clearly present complex information.
- A team-focused, proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and support project outcomes.
- Professional writing experience, especially in consultancy or client-facing roles.
- Familiarity with Queensland’s planning system, especially the Planning Act 2016.
- Experience in or around planning, law, public policy or development projects.
- An interest in community engagement, environmental policy or regional affairs.
At RPS, you will be part of a respected consultancy with a strong national presence and deep local knowledge. We are committed to supporting your professional growth through clear career pathways, continuous learning and a culture of collaboration, curiosity and impact.
We Offer
- Base 38-hour week with flexible working arrangements
- $250 Active Lifestyle allowance each year
- Anniversary day leave each year
- Paid parental and partner leave
- Professional membership reimbursement
- Salary packaging and additional leave purchase scheme
- Mentorship, training and leadership development programs
- A positive, inclusive team culture where you are valued and supported
This is a unique opportunity to be part of shaping real development outcomes in North Queensland - without needing a technical planning background. If you love writing, policy, and contributing to meaningful projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Approach
Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.
Stronger together is one of our five core behaviours and it is key to building a collaborative workplace. We encourage everyone to bring their best and to support others to do the same. By sharing knowledge, challenging each other to think differently, and fostering an environment of trust and respect, our people can learn, grow and thrive – and share in our success.
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
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