Principal Planner

• Salary Range Band 7 $107,570 to $120,376 plus 11.5% super (pro rata if part time)
• Full or part time, permanent role
• We are a diverse and inclusive council based in St Kilda with a positive culture and flexible working arrangements possible

What’s the role all about

As a Principal Planner, you will facilitate the planning approval process with a caseload of planning permit applications and other requests. You will build a professional rapport and nurture collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. You will make decisions as delegate for Council and assist the Urban Planning Coordinators and Planning Lead - Fishermans Bend in the management of the team. 

You will be committed to providing the highest quality customer service, have attention to detail, and will show empathy as you negotiate great planning outcomes to enhance the character and vibrancy of the City.

We want to encourage applications from people who may already be at Principal level and wish expand their experience to significant planning application, including in the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area, or someone ready to step-up to a Principal level. 

We would also like to encourage people who are looking for either Full time or Part Time employment to apply. 

About City of Port Phillip

We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market!  City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation. 

What you might do

• Process planning permit applications in accordance with the Port Phillip Planning Scheme and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
• Providing advice to the community on planning proposals and meeting with State Government departments.
• Presenting at Consultation Meetings, the Planning Committee Meeting and appearing in VCAT appeals.
• Support, mentor and assist in leading a team of engaged planners to collectively deliver approximately 2000 planning decisions a year.

Who we are looking for

• A qualified Urban Planning professional to grow their career.
• An excellent understanding of the statutory planning process.
• Attention to detail, an analytical mindset and with excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• A champion of high quality customer service.
• A person who can assist in leading collaboration in a team environment.

Our work environment

We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.  

Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.  

What’s in it for you

• We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs
• Be supported and empowered to be your best by a passionate leadership team that encourages collaboration and innovation
• Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!
• Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only)
• Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well- regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work
• 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents
• Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology

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.
• 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).

So, what’s next?  

Hit that APPLY button now! 

Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to our key selection criteria. You’ve got this! 

Please submit:

• Resume – latest and detailed version
• Cover letter no longer than 2 pages that captures your response to the Key Selection Criteria (KSC) found on the Positions Description (PD).

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered. 

For further information please contact Patricia Stewart, Planning Lead – Fishermans Bend, on phone 03 9209 6235 or via email Patricia.Stewart@portphillip.vic.gov.au

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday 27 October 2024

We will complete our shortlist and notify the candidates who will progress to an interview by Wednesday 30 October 2024. Our interviews are scheduled to take place in person at the St Kilda Town Hall on Wednesday 6 November 2024. 

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 Shane Turner (Recruitment Advisor) on phone 0421 757 521 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au 

South Melbourne > Port Melbourne > Albert Park > Middle Park > St Kilda > Balaclava > Ripponlea > Elwood