About the role 
The Open Space Planning Unit is a specialist team of Open Space Planners and Senior Open Space Planners who are passionate about providing exceptional public open spaces for the benefit of the Greater Geelong Community.  We value integrity, equity, and fostering a positive, enjoyable workplace culture where ideas are shared and collaboration is encouraged.

Work type: Permanent, full-time 
Classification: Band 7, Commencing at $107,996 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead strategic and statutory planning processes, including development application assessments and planning referrals, to ensure open space and community recreation needs are met.
• Develop and implement open space strategies, policies, masterplans and guidelines to support a high-quality, sustainable, and accessible open space network across the municipality.
• Provide expert advice on open space planning, interpreting legislation, policy, and regulatory requirements, and guiding land acquisition and asset delivery.
• Manage the delivery and handover of open space assets, ensuring compliance with permits, agreements, and contribution plans, and overseeing integration into asset management systems.
• Deliver high-quality analysis and reporting, support funding applications, and lead open space planning projects including stakeholder engagement, governance, and communications.
• Provide direction, guidance, mentoring and support to team members, building capability within the Open Space Planning unit and related business areas.
• Drive continuous improvement by reviewing and enhancing Open Space Planning unit processes to promote innovation, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery.
• Manage and update relevant data sets, conduct research, and monitor community needs and usage patterns to support informed strategic planning and decision-making.

About you 
To be successful in this role, you will have a Tertiary qualification in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or a related discipline.  In addition you will have demonstrated experience in recreation and open space planning, or a closely related field.

Essential Experience:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent Council in public forums to achieve positive and effective outcomes.
• Proven project management expertise, successfully delivering open space strategies, policies, or related projects.
• Strong analytical skills, capable of gathering and interpreting data to support informed planning decisions.
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check and a pre-employment medical assessment as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

Child Safety Responsibilities   
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion  
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries

Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries: Alistair Bain | Coordinator Open Space Planning | abain@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience.  We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.

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