Full time permanent position
Band 6-8 (depending on experience) plus 11% superannuation
Based in Alexandra or hybrid arrangements are available
Make a significant difference in our community!
Council is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Strategic Planner to join our small professional team. This position will support our planning and development teams within the Community and Development Group.
About this opportunity
You will actively contribute to strategic planning projects, policy review and implementation, planning amendments, and process improvements. You will be able to demonstrate excellent industry knowledge and experience working in Local Government, with a focus on quality outcomes and excellent customer service.
As a key member of the team, this position will focus on ensuring the Murrindindi Planning Scheme and associated policy is up to date and effective in achieving land use outcomes consistent with the Council Plan objectives, including the following key responsibilities:
- Provide advice to the Council, the public, developers, and the clients of Council in relation to the provisions of the Murrindindi Planning Scheme, Council planning policies, strategies, and planning procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership on strategic planning related issues.
- Advocate and seek funding for the delivery of strategic projects.
- Identify and lead the preparation and completion of strategic studies and plans, reviews of the Planning Scheme and other strategic land use and economic development projects as required.
- Manage contracts and relationships with external consultants engaged to undertake strategic work for the Shire.
- Lead and process where appropriate, proponent lead planning scheme amendments.
- Liaise with other sections of Council and State, Commonwealth, and non-government agencies on strategic planning matters.
- Actively collaborate with statutory planners, seeking their input regarding improvements to the planning scheme, and ensure the intent and direction of new strategic work is clearly understood.
- Enable community engagement activities, events, and meetings in collaboration with the Community Engagement Unit in relation to Strategic Land Use Planning.
- Represent Council at planning panels and other forums.
- Prepare briefings and reports to Council on strategic planning matters.
- Keep abreast of the changing legislation and practice requirements for the management of planning schemes in Victoria.
What you will bring to the role
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Urban or Regional Planning and / or a closely related field with 4 years of professional experience in town or strategic planning. Experience in rural areas will be highly regarded.
- A continuous improvement mindset with a positive, proactive, and flexible attitude.
- Highly developed skills in communication of complex ideas, community consultation, community engagement and facilitation of stakeholders to achieve quality outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability in writing project briefs, managing consultants and undertaking stakeholder consultations.
- Demonstrated commitment to customer service and flexible solutions.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
Preferred but not mandatory
- Proven project management, skills, and experience.
- Statutory Planning experience demonstrating the ability to identify policy deficiencies and improvements within Planning schemes, knowledge of issues at a Local and State Level which influence development of policy.
- Demonstrated experience in delivering planning strategy and policy projects in an environment of balancing complex issues and competing priorities, and an understanding of a local government setting.
- A thorough understanding of the Victorian planning system with a proven ability to develop and implement planning policy / strategy through statutory mechanisms.
- Proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex situations, develop creative and practical solutions, and achieve outcomes that advance Council outcomes.
What we offer
Murrindindi Shire is situated on Melbourne's peri-urban fringe and encompasses the charming rural townships of Alexandra, Eildon, Kinglake, Marysville and Yea. The Shire benefits from great natural beauty and tourist attractions such as Lake Eildon, picturesque national parks, the Great Victorian Rail Trail and access to Victoria's snowfields. We are located within proximity to Melbourne, a lovely 60 to 90 minute drive from Melbourne, depending on your route.
We offer a supportive flexible work environment, including the opportunity to work from home, with ongoing professional development and a range of employee benefits designed to promote a positive work/life balance.
How to apply
For more information about the role or a confidential discussion, please contact Ben Harnwell, Manager Economic Development on (03) 5772 0333.
Applications should contain a cover letter and resume and address the key selection criteria set out in the Position Description. Please note that applications not addressing the selection criteria may not be considered.
You can submit your application and any accompanying attachments:
- online – you will receive an email notification confirming your submission
- by email to msc@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
- or post them to Murrindindi Shire Council, PO Box 138, Alexandra 3714.
Applications close at 11.45 pm on Sunday 26 May 2024.
Conditions of employment are in accordance with the Murrindindi Shire Council’s Enterprise Agreement. It is also a condition of employment that the successful applicant: