Title:  Senior Planner (Ballarat or Geelong)

About us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.  

Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.  

We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.

About the group

Planning and Land Services delivers responsive, customer focussed, high quality planning, land administration and property services that support thriving places and connected communities.

About the role

The usual place of work will be based in Ballarat or Geelong, depending on operational requirements and candidate preference. 

The Senior Planner will be responsible for preparing planning scheme amendments work and related briefs and providing recommendations to department executives and the Minister for Planning. It requires a motivated individual with demonstrated experience in statutory planning, project delivery, stakeholder management and governance in the public or private sectors.

To access the Position Description, please click here

We are seeking a strategic leader with deep expertise in planning, stakeholder management, and navigating complex political and organisational contexts, who can drive innovation and deliver sustainable outcomes across government. The ideal candidate will demonstrate accomplished communication, collaboration, and adaptability skills, guiding teams through change while upholding public sector values. 

Position accountabilities

– Provide high-level and timely advice to the Minister and the executive team of the Group on significant planning issues within the region.
– Prepare high-quality authoritative reports, papers, presentations, briefs and correspondence.
– Maintain standard practices and processes for managing projects to reduce project related risks, 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.
– Initiate, maintain and manage relationships with key stakeholders, gain cooperation and influence complex, contentious and sensitive matters within established parameters.
– Support the team's effectiveness through knowledge development and sharing and contribute to a positive and collaborative culture in the workplace.

Qualifications and experience

– A relevant qualification in planning or related field is required. (mandatory)
– Demonstrated experience in and knowledge of statutory and strategic land use planning within a metropolitan and regional planning context in Victoria. (mandatory)
– Knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, associated regulations, ministerial directions and other statutory instruments. (mandatory)
– Driver’s License (without any restriction which preclude the incumbent from performing the inherent requirements of the position and which cannot be reasonably accommodated by the Department) (mandatory)

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.

What we offer

Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.

For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

If have any issues, click here for Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 11th of August 2025.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Redd Peters, Planning Support Officer via redd.peters@transport.vic.gov.au. 

Important Information:

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