Title:  Planner

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

This role will be based in Geelong/Ballarat.

The Planner is responsible for providing statutory services to deliver the Minister for Planning’s responsibilities in relation to the assessment of statutory approvals including planning scheme amendments and other requirements of planning legislation and instruments. The role is responsible for the preparation and review of ministerial briefs, parliamentary business and responses to delegated and ministerial correspondence, and assisting in relationship management of key stakeholders including local government, other government agencies and development proponents.  The Planner works collaboratively within the Planning and Land Services group. The Planner takes on medium complexity projects which warrant specialist expertise and also provides advice and guidance to less experienced members of the team. 

Key Selection Criteria

Success in this role relies on strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex legislation and make informed decisions in ambiguous situations. It requires political and organisational awareness, effective stakeholder engagement, and clear, audience-focused communication. The role demands adaptability, collaboration, and the interpersonal insight to build trust and achieve outcomes across diverse teams and contexts.

To access the Position Description, please click here 

Position accountabilities

The successful candidate is required to deliver statutory planning services and provides informed, timely advice on complex planning matters within policy, legislative and political contexts. Builds strong relationships across government and industry, contributing expertise to major projects and initiatives. Works collaboratively and flexibly to achieve departmental priorities while fostering a culturally safe and inclusive environment.

Qualifications and experience

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Planning, or a related field, is required.  (mandatory)
• Demonstrated experience in and/or knowledge of statutory and strategic land use or government infrastructure planning within a metropolitan and/or regional planning context in Victoria. (mandatory)

Culture Value

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s 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 you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 22nd October 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 Heather Forsyth - Senior Manager Regional Planning Services, Barwon South West/Grampians at heather.forsyth@transport.vic.gov.au or 0473  113 029

Important Information:

• If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.