Strategic Planner

Permanent Full-Time
Band 6 ($97,273 to $105,392) + 11.5% + monthly ADO
Footscray, Melbourne

About Us

Maribyrnong City Council is undergoing significant change arising from population growth and redevelopment. A transitioning economy is leading to an influx of new residents, businesses, and employment opportunities that is seeing Maribyrnong fast becoming a sought after residential, recreation and social destination in Melbourne's inner-west.

The Opportunity

The City Development Department has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and suitably experienced Strategic Planner to join the team. Reporting to the Coordinator Strategic Planning, you will conduct research, investigation and analysis into land use planning issues and assist in developing policies and implementation plans.

As the Strategic Planner, you will also prepare planning scheme amendments that support Council's planning directions in accordance with the relevant statutory requirements. This role would be well suited to someone who can confidently provide technical advice and support to interagency and Council project teams, are natural collaborators with exceptional problem solving skills, and who can quickly and genuinely build great relationships.

You will also be someone who is a natural collaborator with exceptional interpersonal and problem solving skills. So, if you are able to effectively build great relationships, are customer focussed and you enjoy providing direction and support to developing team members, Apply Now!

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out thorough research and analysis of planning issues and proposals.
• Prepare, assess and process planning scheme amendments in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Develop and implement strategic land use planning policies and projects, in consultation with stakeholders that support State and Council planning policy objectives.
• Assist in the implementation of State Planning Policy (e.g. Plan Melbourne) which relate to the municipality.
• Foster strong relationships with key external agencies and local resident, special interest, business and trader groups.
• Prepare and present high quality briefings and reports to Council, management and agencies with well-reasoned and clear recommendations.
• Conduct high quality public consultation for planning proposals.
• Register and respond to customer service requests and complaints using Council's customer service tracking system in an effective and timely manner.
• Represent council before the independent Planning Panels and advisory committees including the coordination and preparation of written submissions.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will have the following:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in town planning or a related discipline.
• Experience as a strategic or statutory planner within State or Local Governments or private industry, with a sound understanding of the statutory and operational requirements of local government.
• Well-developed knowledge of and a proficiency in applying urban planning theory, practice, principles and precedent.
• A thorough understanding of the Victorian planning legislation framework - the Victorian Planning Provisions, planning schemes amendment process and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
• Effective communication and problem solving skills to produce cooperative outcomes within a team environment, strong mediation and conciliation skills.
• Capacity to manage time effectively, identify workload priorities and meet deadlines.
• Well-developed customer service ethic and strong commitment to improving service delivery.
• Competent word processing skills using Microsoft Word, including experience in the use of databases (Authority, TRIM and Microsoft Access) including Geographic Information Systems (QGIS).

Why Choose Maribyrnong?

• Work cross functionally in a friendly, supportive and professional multidisciplinary team;
• Enjoy a flexible work environment;
• Work in a meaningful role within a Values driven organisation;
• Relish a vibrant foodie hub at your doorstep;
• Take an Accrued Day Off every month.

So, if you are looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference and you enjoy working in a diverse community focused environment, Apply Now!

How to Apply

To express your interest in this role, please forward your resume and a covering letter via our Careers website outlining your relevant experience and addressing the Key Selection Criteria position defined in the position description in support of your application by 10pm on the closing date.

We are a child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to child safety and supporting the best interests of children in all our operations. Council encourages young people, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

Enquiries to: Should you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Virginia Howe, Coordinator Strategic Planning on 0429 166 298, for a confidential discussion.