You could progress from Graduate Planner to Planning and Development Officer, into higher roles such as Urban Planner, Senior Strategic Planner, and Manager Planning and Development.

Great for people who enjoy

• Imagining future possibilities
• Playing The Sims
• Considering small details and the big picture
• Getting into the nitty gritty of legislation and regulations
• Thinking about how different people experience the world
• Explaining how systems work
• Creating a lively atmosphere
• Making a mark

Pathways to work

So, you know you want to be a Planning and Development Officer. How do you get started? And what’s next?

Qualifications and experience

Most planning roles require a tertiary qualification in Urban Planning or Architecture.

However, not all Planning and Development Officers are Planners – some do administration, map and survey locations, and answer questions from residents, architects and developers. These roles will have different requirements.

You may be able to transfer skills and knowledge from Economics, Civil Engineering, Community Services and Public Health to a role in Planning and Development.

Study options:

• Certificate IV Surveying and Spatial Information Services
• Diploma of Local Government (Planning)
• Diploma of Surveying
• Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning
• Bachelor of Urban Planning
• Bachelor of Environmental Planning
• Bachelor of Architectural Studies (pathway to Master of Urban and Regional Planning)
• Master of Urban and Regional Planning

Training and apprenticeships

You might be able to earn a certificate or diploma through a traineeship. Some training may be subsidised, which means the government would pay part or all of the course cost.

Next steps:

• Visit TAFE SA for more information.
• Use our job search to find councils offering traineeships.
• Ask your local council if they run a cadetship or graduate program.

Industry information

Register as an accredited planning professional with PlanSA.

Become familiar with relevant platforms and software to improve your chances of landing a role:

• Civica Authority
• Bluebeam
• Plan SA's Development Application Portal (DAP)

The following professional networks share industry information, professional development opportunities, and events:

• Planning Institute of Australia
• Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
• Australian Institute of Architects
• Design Institute of Australia