Title:  Place Names Treaty Officer

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 role

This is a fixed-term role ending on 25 June 2027

Please note: People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Place Names Treaty Officer supports Geographic Names Victoria in working on place naming matters connected to Treaty and First Peoples engagement. The role works closely with Gellung Warl, government agencies, councils and stakeholders to provide advice, coordinate engagement activities and support naming proposals across Victoria. It prepares briefings, research and communication materials, and contributes to policy development on Treaty naming matters. Success in this role helps ensure place naming processes are culturally respectful, collaborative and aligned with Treaty objectives, supporting stronger relationships with First Peoples and greater public confidence in naming practices.   

To access the Position Description, please  click here.   

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)
You’re someone who:

• Enjoys developing policy ideas, researching complex issues and providing clear advice that supports government priorities and community outcomes.

• Can build strong relationships with stakeholders, understand different perspectives and work collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes.

• Enjoys working with a wide range of people and adapting your communication style to influence, negotiate and present ideas clearly.

• Can coordinate projects and engagement activities, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within agreed timeframes.

• Enjoys working in a dynamic environment and can understand organisational priorities, respond to changing needs and contribute to practical, well-informed solutions.

Qualifications and experience

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian First Peoples cultures and societies, including Traditional Owner groups (mandatory).
• Knowledge of Geographic Place Names Act 1998 and Naming rules for places in Victoria and how the legislation affects Victorian traditional owner groups (desirable).
• Knowledge and understanding of Victoria’s Treaty and Truth-telling processes (desirable).
• Relevant tertiary qualification would be well regarded (desirable).

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

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, the 25th of May 2026.

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  Rafe Benli, Team Leader on 0407 279 400 or via Rafe.benli@transport.vic.gov.au.   

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy here:
 https://www.vic.gov.au/public-sector-industrial-relations-policies-2025/redundancy-redeployment-and-retrenchment

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.