Title: Principal Planner (Ballarat or Geelong)
About Us
The Department of Transport and Planning seeks to create thriving places and connected communities by ensuring Victoria’s transport and land use is safe, sustainable and integrated. Our job is to further integrate the transport network, and land uses to improve the delivery of services to Victorians for simpler, quicker and safer journeys that connect people and places and support Victoria's prosperity and liveability.
The department is committed to building a culture where we say 'yes' to flexible work arrangements, provide personal and professional development programs and support ways of working that help employees balance work and life.
The department is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including veterans, people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, have a disability, are from varied cultural backgrounds and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. The department provides workplace adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Planning and Land Services is a Group within the Department of Transport and Planning, and manages the state’s planning, land use, and property systems as well as assessment of environment, heritage and development matters. The Group administers statutory planning responsibilities and facilitates urban development and is responsible for a number of significant Statutory Authorities and Administrative Offices including Planning Panels Victoria.
The State Planning Division provides development of planning policy, emergency recovery coordination, administration of statutory planning processes relating to planning scheme amendments, planning permit applications, and environmental impact assessments including major infrastructure project assessments and approvals and implementation of planning reform.
About the Role
The usual place of work will be based in Ballarat or Geelong, depending on operational requirements and candidate preference.
The Principal Planner will provide high level technical land use planning expertise to inform the delivery of complex planning and priority projects for government. The position will also assist with the delivery of complex planning projects, including scoping, review and assessment of projects. The Principal Planner will mentor, coach and guide project teams.
The Principal Planner will mentor, coach and guide project teams.
To access the Position Description, please click here.
We are seeking a strategic and adaptable leader with proven expertise in project delivery, stakeholder management, and critical thinking. The ideal candidate will drive cross-government collaboration, guide strategic planning, and communicate with impact to influence outcomes and deliver innovative, values-aligned solutions in a dynamic environment.
The usual place of work will be based in Ballarat or Geelong, depending on operational requirements and candidate preference.
Position Outcomes / Accountabilities
• Provide high level technical land use planning expertise to inform the delivery of complex planning projects including mentoring, coaching and guiding project teams.
• Lead and drive the delivery of complex planning projects, including scoping, monitor overall project performance against project plans and ensure that objectives are met.
• Maintain standard practices and processes for managing projects to reduce project related risks and manage costs, in line with departmental or government practices and standards.
• Identify emerging issues and ensure appropriate responses, including risk analyses and the preparation of reports for consideration by the Executive Director, government, management and stakeholders.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior management on complex project issues and solutions and prepare detailed reports, business cases, Cabinet submissions, Ministerial briefings, discussion papers and legislation, on time, and that demonstrate an understanding of the policy, political and legal context.
• Work flexibly and collaboratively across the business to deliver business unit, group and departmental priorities and initiatives as required.
• Practice cultural safety by creating environments, relationships and systems free from racism and discrimination so that people can feel safe, valued and able to participate.
• In line with Section 31A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) other duties may be assigned consistent with employment classification, skills, and capabilities.
Qualifications and Experience
Mandatory
• A relevant tertiary qualification in Planning, or a related field, is required.
• A thorough working knowledge of the planning system.
• Proven technical leadership skills and expertise, including demonstrated capacity to provide strategic advice, direction and guidance in a complex business environment.
• Exceptional conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to apply complex concepts from non-related fields to address policy issues and provide strategic direction.
• Demonstrated experience in the delivery of complex land use planning projects in the public or private sectors
ROLE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
• Driver’s License.
• May occasionally involve evening or weekend work during emergencies including occasional overnight, regional and interstate travel.
What we offer
• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture
Culture Value
We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.
How to Apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.
If have any issues, click here for Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.
Applications close 9pm on Thursday, the 5th of June 2025.
Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.
For further information about the role please contact Redd Peters, Planning Support Officer via redd.peters@transport.vic.gov.au.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.
