Student Planner - Development Insights

Help shape the future of one of Sydney's fastest-growing cities. Turn your planning studies into real-world experience.

Are you studying Town Planning, Urban Planning, Geography, GIS, Urban Design or a related discipline and looking to gain hands-on industry experience while completing your degree?

Join the City of Ryde and play an important role in analysing development trends, supporting planning research and helping inform decisions that shape the future of our city.

• Gain real-world planning experience while completing your studies
• Work with development data, GIS and urban analytics tools
• Learn from experienced planning professionals in a supportive team environment

About Us

City of Ryde, just 12 kilometres from Sydney CBD, is one of Australia's most dynamic and rapidly evolving local government areas. Home to more than 130,000 residents, a thriving innovation economy centred around Macquarie Park, and vibrant local centres, Ryde continues to experience significant growth and transformation.

As our city grows, understanding how and where development occurs has never been more important. Our Development Insights team undertakes research and analysis to better understand development trends, housing and job delivery, planning constraints and growth opportunities. Through the use of planning data, GIS and urban analytics, the team helps support evidence-based planning and decision-making.

About the Role

We're seeking a motivated Student Planner to join our Development Advisory and Insights team on a permanent part-time basis (21 hours per week).

In this role, you'll assist with planning research, development trend analysis and the monitoring of housing and employment growth across the City of Ryde. You'll work with planning databases, GIS systems, the NSW Planning Portal and other analytical tools to support planning projects and policy development.

You'll also have the opportunity to gain exposure to planning policy, growth forecasting, housing delivery monitoring and contemporary urban planning challenges.

Working alongside experienced planners, you'll gain valuable exposure to strategic planning, development analysis and urban research while building practical skills that will support your future career.

About You

You're curious, analytical and passionate about understanding how cities grow and evolve.

You enjoy working with information and data, are comfortable asking questions and are keen to learn from experienced professionals. You have strong communication skills, enjoy collaborating with others and can manage competing priorities while balancing your university commitments.

Most importantly, you're looking for an opportunity to apply what you're learning at university in a real-world planning environment and develop the practical skills that will support your future career in planning and development.

What You'll Bring

• Current enrolment in a Town Planning degree or related discipline such as Geography, GIS, Urbanism, Economic Development, or a similar field
• An interest in planning, development and urban growth
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• A willingness to learn and contribute to continuous improvement
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Creative Suite or similar software

Highly Regarded

• Familiarity with the NSW Planning Portal
• Experience using GIS or spatial software
• Exposure to databases and data analysis tools
• Experience using Land iQ or urban analytics software
• Knowledge of contemporary planning and development issues

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to gain practical planning experience while completing your studies and to work on projects that directly influence the future growth and development of the City of Ryde.

You'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, gain exposure to industry-leading planning systems and analytical tools and develop skills that can support a future career in planning, urban policy, development assessment or local government.

What We Offer

• Flexible workdays and hours to align with university commitments
• Work 21 hours per week
• Valuable workplace experience while completing your studies
• Mentoring and support from experienced planning professionals
• Three additional grant days over the Christmas period
• Annual performance reviews and Award increases
• Study assistance and professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to join Fitness Passport
• Various health and wellbeing initiatives
• Collaborative and values-driven workplace culture

Office-Based Learning Environment

This is an office-based role. While working from home is not available, we offer flexibility around university timetables, assessment periods and exams. Working onsite provides valuable opportunities for mentoring, collaboration and hands-on learning alongside experienced planning professionals.

Your commencing annual salary will range from $73,267.92 to $89,753.20 + Superannuation (pro-rata for 21 hours per week), dependant on your skills, experience and qualifications

How to Apply

Please ensure you provide full responses to the online application questions, showcasing your skills and experience. Your responses, together with your resume, will be used to assess your suitability for interview.

Please note, you are not required to submit a cover letter or address selection criteria separately.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 30th September 2026, 11:30PM

For further information, please refer to the Position Description or contact Peter Mann, Senior Coordinator Development Insights on 0481 112 828, for a confidential discussion.