About the role
In this role, you will work with a dedicated team of planning professionals, providing an efficient and effective advisory service to public and other key stakeholders, particularly small to medium businesses. As a senior member of the team, you will provide advice and assess various planning application types, primarily for the establishment/expansion of business related applications within the City of Greater Geelong.  As part of the role, you will engage with various stakeholders to provide direction on their planning related proposals as well as assisting to coach and mentor other junior planners.
Overall you will draw on your extensive planning experience and knowledge for the purpose of providing high quality planning advice and contribute to the team environment to make timely decisions. This role gives you the opportunity to provide new and innovative approaches which are encouraged in this space.

Work type: Fixed Term Full Time
Classification: Band 7 Commencing at $106,158 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Facilitate, investigate and evaluate development applications, particularly for small businesses within a team environment to determine compliance with relevant legislation and ensure balanced decisions are made within prescribed time frames.
• Provide a professional and up to date advisory service to assist in the establishment/expansion of small businesses
• Assist with the co-ordination of input from various government departments and the general public to meet deadlines as set.
• Prepare correspondence in relation to Council decisions and enquiries from the public.
• Represent the City of Greater Geelong in public forums, legal proceedings and appeal hearings.
• Assist with and maintain appropriate administrative and information recording systems within the team.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will have…
Essential Experience:

• Several years relevant experience in a town planning or related position
• Theoretical and practical knowledge and ability to interpret town-planning legislation and practices.
• Thorough understanding of the operation of local government, the Victorian planning system and the legal process generally within Victoria
• Highly developed communication, analytical and investigative skills
• Demonstrated excellence in customer service
• Proven experience in mentoring staff
• Ability to negotiate and resolve conflict
• 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.

Please note, this position is a 10-month Parental Leave cover (April 2026 – February 2027)

Applications and Enquiries

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

Enquiries: Verity Bright | Statutory Planning Team Leader | VBright@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.

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