Vacancy Details

Strategic Coastal Planner  

  • Salary Range Band 7 $111,873 to $125,191 plus 12% Superannuation  
  • Temporary full time position, 12 months  
  • Located at St Kilda Town Hall with flexible working arrangements possible  

About the Organisation  

The City of Port Phillip is an inner city council with around 1000 employees who deliver more than 100 programs and services to residents, businesses and visitors. These range from childcare and immunisations, to libraries, management of parks and open space, rubbish collection, road maintenance and more. City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation  

About the Role  

  • Lead how an inner city council responds to coastal erosion and climate change  
  • Shape multi million dollar decisions through strategy, advocacy and expert advice  

This is a rare opportunity to set the direction for coastal planning in a high profile municipality  

You will lead the development of Council Coastal Adaptation Plan and Foreshore Management Plan, shaping how we respond to coastal change, erosion and climate impacts  

Working across Council, you will turn strategy into funded, prioritised actions and provide expert advice to guide coastal projects and investment. You will also lead advocacy and communications on complex, high interest issues  

This is a 12 month fixed term role  

Duties  

  • Lead major coastal strategies from development to endorsement  
  • Translate strategy into funded, prioritised programs across Council  
  • Provide expert advice to guide coastal planning  
  • Lead advocacy and clear public messaging on coastal risks and priorities  
  • Manage complex stakeholder and community issues, including contested topics  

Skills and Experience  

  • Experience in coastal, open space, urban planning or similar  
  • Strong understanding of climate risk and coastal management  
  • Proven experience delivering complex strategies and stakeholder engagement  
  • Ability to influence outcomes across teams without direct authority  
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including translating technical issues into clear advice and public messaging  

Culture  

People enjoy working at the City of Port Phillip because we are a welcoming, healthy and inclusive workplace. We offer a vibrant and diverse work environment where employees can develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community  

Benefits  

  • We offer a workplace which accommodates your working style and needs  
  • Be supported and empowered by a leadership team that is community focused, with a strong desire for change and a culture that encourages teamwork and innovation  
  • Training and development opportunities, study assistance, flexible working conditions, paid parental leave, an active social club, a health and wellbeing program and a well regarded Employee Assistance Program  

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations  

Pre employment screening will apply to all appointments  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide  

  • Evidence of mandatory qualifications, registrations or licences  
  • Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia and sufficient proof of identity  
  • Complete a National Police Check via City of Port Phillip provider  

How to Apply  

Click APPLY  

All applicants must provide a cover letter in response to the key selection criteria located on the last page of the position description. The cover letter should be no longer than 2 pages and include each heading in the key selection criteria  

Note Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be provided feedback  

Further information can be obtained by contacting David Hehir, Coordinator Foreshore, Open Space, Recreation and Community Resilience via email david.hehir@portphillip.vic.gov.au  

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 5 July 2026  

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA plus community and candidates with a disability  

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor on phone 0468 576 806 or email recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au