Senior Open Space Planner

• Permanent Full Time
• $105,392 – $116,249 pa (plus 11.5% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we are

Surf Coast Shire Council delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and the communities and townships in between. Locals here experience a sought-after quality of life – we are one of the safest and most  active communities in Victoria. When you work with us, you are helping our community and its environment thrive.

Our people play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful, and supportive workplace, living our values, and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community.

At Surf Coast, we work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.

Your New Career

The position sits in the Integrated Planning Department within the Placemaking and Environment Division and helps to deliver on the Surf Coast Shire Community Vision and the Council Plan 2021-25. The role is focused on delivering on the statutory open space functions, coordination of land management functions and systems and the provision of subject matter advice relating to open space planning activities, in a way that achieves the division’s purpose: Together we care for Country and make places people love.

The role will support the delivery and implementation of Council's Social Infrastructure Plan, both in terms of new open spaces and infrastructure in our growth areas (such as Winchelsea) as well as the challenges of renewing spaces and facilities within our established areas.

What you will bring to the Role

We are currently looking for a Senior Open Space Planner who is excited about - and has a strong track record in – planning for, developing and delivering open spaces and social infrastructure projects in a way that achieves great outcomes for our community.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Qualified and/or experienced in the planning, development and delivery of quality and creative open spaces and social infrastructure.
• Passionate about the benefits derived by our community from use of open spaces and social infrastructure, and Council’s role in its provision.
• An effective team member, modelling constructive behaviours, setting clear priorities and delivering to an agreed workplan.
• Excellent at managing relationships within and outside of an organisation, including with private companies (i.e. property developers, contractors and consultants).
• Skilled at documentation development, including papers, Council reports and funding submissions.
• Pragmatic and able to use facilitation skills to navigate complex problems with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Key Selection Criteria

Mandatory Qualifications, Experience and Requirements

• A Tertiary qualification in open space planning, town planning, landscape architecture or a related discipline or a minimum 3 years' experience in one or more relevant fields.
• Demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge and ability to interpret town planning legislation and statutory planning processes.
• Demonstrated experience in open space, precinct planning and policy development.
• Demonstrated experience in project management and report and grant writing.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Well-developed relationship management and communication skills and ability to communicate and engage effectively with members of the public, Councillors, staff and a range of external agencies and audiences.
• A current Victorian Driver’s Licence
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council).

A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Experience in Victorian Local Government Planning Scheme.
• Experience in planning and delivering open space and master planning projects, in a complex environment.
• Experience in contract management (consultants).
• Experience in funding acquisition.
• Qualified landscape architect.
• Experience in Local Government.
• A strong appreciation of the Surf Coast Shire context.

What you’ll love working with us

Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:

• Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDOs
• Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
• Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
• Purchase of additional annual leave
• Free onsite parking
• Leave loading.

For More Information

More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description above.

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact Paul Elshaug on 5261 0600.

How to apply

Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:

• cover letter
• statement addressing the selection criteria
• copy of your resume.

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 18 August 2024

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.