Vacancy Details

Senior Urban Planner

  • Salary Range Band 6 $93,459 - $101,873 + 11% Superannuation
  • Full time permanent position – immediate start available  
  • St Kilda location - Flexible Working Arrangements.

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 our 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

The Senior Planner position is responsible for managing a caseload of planning permit applications, including associated correspondence, amendments, regular interactions with stakeholders and submissions to VCAT.

Duties:

  • Undertake processing of planning permit applications in accordance with the Port Phillip Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act 1987, including critically evaluating and reporting on applications (often significant and/or sensitive development proposals) and advising of conditions or grounds which should be part of the decision
  • Provide high standard of decision making in relation to Council’s planning responsibilities (timely, accurate, thorough and professional advice and analysis) and provide advice to other planners on complex matters
  • Make decisions as a key Delegated Officer in accordance with the Delegation Manual.
  • Develop a professional partnership and high levels of communication with the relevant Ward Councillors and key stakeholders on all planning issues
  • Provide customer service and advice to preferred planning and development directions based on adopted amendments, strategies and policies
  • Professional representations on behalf of Statutory Planning including attendance at Council meetings, Neighbourhood Forums the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).  Liaise with other Council departments and external stakeholders.

Skills and Experience 

  • Tertiary qualification in Town Planning / Urban Studies / Environmental Planning or a closely related field together with several years’ experience in a similar role.
  • At least 3+ years experience in a local government town/urban planning office including VCAT experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in assessing planning applications within the context of relevant Acts, regulations, Planning Scheme provisions and planning and related policies
  • High level skills in report writing, reporting to Council and external correspondence and being able to explain complex planning issues with members of the public
  • Proven ability to set priorities and organise the work required to achieve expected timelines and outcomes
  • Ability to work in a team environment to analyse and proactively improve systems and processes and communicate this process to members of the team. 

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 our 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 (EAP).

Mandatory Requirements 

  • Tertiary qualification in Town Planning/Urban Studies/Environmental Planning or a closely related field.
  • Current Victorian Drivers Licence.

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/licences,
  • Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and                                                       
  • Sufficient proof of their identity. 
  • Evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination or valid medical exemption in line with the City of Port Phillip Vaccination Policy 
  • Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
  • Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).  

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 Michael Mowbray, Coordinator Statutory Planning via email at michael.mowbray@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 24 September 2023

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+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact David Crichton (Recruitment and Employee Experience Lead) on phone 0466 859 533 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au