Title:  Senior Planner

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

Strategic Planning division

Working collaboratively across state and local government, the division leads strategic land use planning to shape a thriving and connected Victoria.

The division delivers complex planning policies, guidance material, projects, studies and planning scheme amendments. Through this work, the division shapes how our places are designed and planned for well located housing, jobs and services in healthy communities and environments.

Strategic Land Use Planning branch

The branch is responsible for working collaboratively across government and with stakeholders to develop and implement place-agnostic strategic land use projects and planning scheme amendments demonstrating cutting edge thinking, to support improved land use, housing and high-quality design outcomes. 

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

*2 Fixed Term Positions until 31 December 2026

The Senior Planner will develop and implement state-wide strategic planning policies from government strategies, action plans and commitments through the Victoria Planning Provisions. The role requires a motivated individual with demonstrated experience in both statutory and strategic planning, project delivery, stakeholder management and governance in the public or private sectors. The position will liaise and oversee stakeholder relations, including negotiation with government partners and external stakeholders, facilitate priority projects and prepare high quality reports and briefs.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Use technical planning and policy skills and political awareness, to develop state-wide strategic land use planning policy and planning controls for implementation.
• Prepare reports, briefs and correspondence on planning issues that demonstrate a detailed understanding of the policy, statutory and political context.
• Provide timely and accurate advice to the Minister for Planning, managers and executive, local government and other stakeholders on planning issues, opportunities and solutions.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with peers and key stakeholders including State government agencies, local government and relevant industry.
• Contribute planning expertise to major projects and other government initiatives or programs, as required.

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a skilled professional to lead policy design and development, crafting clear narratives and impactful recommendations that align with strategic plans and community needs. The ideal candidate will excel in project delivery, critical thinking, and stakeholder management, ensuring effective outcomes, resolving complex issues, and fostering collaborative partnerships

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• A relevant qualification in urban planning, environment, social sciences or a related field, is required. 
• Demonstrated experience in project management and delivering complex planning projects.
• Strategic planning, public policy making and implementation experience.
• Excellent knowledge of the the Planning and Environment Act 1987, and the Victoria Planning Provisions.

Desirable

• Statutory planning experience.
• Previous experience working in a government environment.

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

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Applications close 11:59 pm on Tuesday 29th April 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 Michael Orford, Director Strategic Land Use Planning via michael.orford@transport.vic.gov.au or 0427 004 684

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.