Development Compliance Officer

Division/Section: Planning, Environment & Lifestyle / Planning & Development

Position Type: Permanent Full Time (9 day fortnight, 36.25 hrs/week)

Salary Range: LGO4 ($83,385 - $89,379 per annum + superannuation) based on skills, qualifications and experience

Location: Townsville

Application Close: 11:45pm, Sunday 5 July 2026.

About the Role:

Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders while undertaking development compliance investigations within the Planning and Development Team.

Investigate building, pool safety, and planning compliance, including adherence to approved development conditions, in accordance with Council policies, industry standards, and relevant legislation.

Conduct property inspections of structures, land use activities, swimming pools, and permits to assess statutory compliance. Prepare and manage compliance correspondence, notices, and enforcement actions in line with legislative requirements and Council procedures.

Work collaboratively across Planning and Development and the broader Council to deliver practical, compliant, and positive outcomes for the community.

About you:

• Knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation, regulations and governing law surrounding Building, Development and Pool Compliance matters. This also includes knowledge of local laws and other legislation involved in the work and its application in an environment of community consultation and regulation.
• Experienced in critically reviewing, interpreting and analysing information including legislation, technical reports, standards and policies.
• Investigation skills, including the ability to gather and present sustainable evidence for prosecution in court in relation to offences under legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, showing initiative and good judgement with identifiable outcomes and decision making.
• Skilled in conflict and dispute resolution with the ability to identify sustainable outcome alternatives.
• Sound interpersonal skills including the ability to relate in an authoritative and diplomatic manner, particularly in dispute and confrontational situations.
• Well-developed written communication skills and report writing, including the ability to research, compile and present accurate and thorough notices and reports.
• Well-developed level of organisational, prioritisation and time management skills.
• Authorised Persons Card (TCC) or the ability to obtain.
• Construction Induction Training (White Card) or the ability to obtain.
• First Aid Training or the ability to obtain.
• Current “C” Class driver’s licence.
• A qualification in Building/Planning or related discipline (Desirable).
• Certificate IV, Diploma or equivalent in an investigatory discipline (Desirable).

For further information review the Position Description.

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We’re committed to supporting our people through a strong focus on work–life balance, a positive and inclusive culture, and a shared passion for making a meaningful impact in our community.

We have a range of benefits that confirm this commitment:

• 5 weeks annual leave + 17.5% leave loading
• 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Uniforms, tools and PPE provided (if applicable to your role)
• Annual wage progression
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including on-the-job learning and formal training programs
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected health and wellbeing facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program

* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

Contact Person: Cassie

Contact Email: [email protected]

How to Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume which should confirm any licences and qualifications your hold.

For further information review the Position Description.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply!

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact [email protected] or phone 07 4727 9004 for a confidential discussion.