Planning Compliance Officer

• Salary Range Band 6 $87,923 to $98,839 plus 10.5% Super
• Temporary, full time position until November 2022
• 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 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

This position reports to the Coordinator of Planning Compliance. To be successful in this position you will demonstrate extensive planning compliance knowledge or in a related regulatory field, and working effectively across the organisation, particularly Planning and Building services.  You should be highly regarded for your “can do” attitude and will need high level decision making and communication skills.

Duties:

• Undertake complex investigations, inspections and activities relating to the functions of a busy Planning Compliance Unit to ensure compliance with the Port Phillip Planning Scheme, planning permits and relevant legislation.
• Prepare reports and make recommendations whilst utilising a proactive and seamless approach to problem resolution, including coordinating with other Council inspection services when applicable.
• Handle service requests in a timely, accurate and customer focussed manner while ensuring investigations are conducted in accordance with State Legislation and Council requirements.
• Communicate effectively to provide information regarding requirements of Planning Scheme, related permits and relevant state legislation.
• Act as the informant and issue infringement notices for breach of Planning requirements and/or relevant legislation. 
• Prepare briefs of evidence for prosecution and provide evidence in the Victorian Civil and Administration tribunal (VCAT) and Magistrate’s Court.

Skills and Experience

• Experience in and broad understanding of Local Government procedures and State Legislation, its processes, requirements and procedures, and possess the ability to convey those requirements to internal and external clients
• Good knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act, Liquor Control Reform Act, Local Government Act and other relevant legislation.
• High level problem solving, investigative and analytical skills, and a track record in developing solutions to planning enforcement issues in a complex operating environment. 
• Demonstrated excellent technical knowledge of planning legislation and law combined with strong experience in law enforcement actions and procedures in a local government context.
• Ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with conflict, complaints and enquiries from a range of stakeholders, ensuring Council is represented professionally at all times.

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).

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
• Sufficient proof of their identity
• Evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination in line with VIC Gov Advice.
• 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 Andrea Joseph, Coordinator Planning Compliance on 0466 407 398 or email andrea.joseph@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11.59pm 10 July 2022

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+ 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 (HR Business Partner- Recruitment) on 

0466 859 533 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au