Principal Planner (Fishermans Bend)

Principal Planner (Fishermans Bend)

• Salary Range Band 7 $104,946 - $117,440 plus 11% Super
• One year full time temporary position with flexible working arrangements possible
• St Kilda location in Carlisle Street shopping precinct, close to trains and trams.

About the Organisation 

The City of Port Phillip is an inner-city council with around 1000 employees who deliver more than 100 programs and services to our residents, businesses and visitors. These range from childcare and immunisations, to libraries, management of parks and open space, rubbish collection, road maintenance and more. City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity exists to help shape one of Melbourne’s most well-known and dynamic municipalities. As Principal Planner you will make decisions on the municipalities most significant planning proposals, within a supportive team environment. The role has a focus on assessing applications within the Fishermans Bend Urban Renewal Area but may include work across all planning teams as required. 

Duties:

• Manage diverse, complex and sensitive planning permit applications, including early and clear advice to applicants and consultation with objectors.
• Provide timely and appropriately balanced decision making and advice, taking into account relevant policies and provisions of the Port Phillip Planning Scheme. 
• Assist the Planning Lead - Fishermans Bend / Planning Co-ordinator in the management of the team (leadership and mentoring), promote responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness in office procedures; promote responsibility and accountability and to fill in for the Planning Lead - Fishermans Bend in his/her absence where appropriate.
• Make decisions as a key Delegated Officer in accordance with the Delegation Manual.
• Build professional partnerships and high levels of communication with Councillors and key internal and external stakeholders 
• Provide support and mentoring to less experienced planners. 
• Contribute and implement your ideas to help drive change and improvement to the way we work.
• Professional representation at Council meetings, Neighbourhood Forums, and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), State Government Departments and other organisations as required. 

Skills and Experience 

• Tertiary qualification in Town Planning / Urban Studies / Environmental Planning or a closely related field together with at least 5 years’ experience in a similar role, including experience presenting at VCAT.
• Extensive experience and an advanced understanding in assessing planning applications within the context of relevant Acts, regulations, Planning Scheme provisions and planning and related policies
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and effectively interpret complex planning policy within a political and regulatory environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability, to explain complex and present recommendations to audiences such as residents, Councillors, other officers and VCAT.  
• High level organisation skills and a proven ability to set priorities to achieve expected timelines and outcomes.
• Ability to work positively in a team environment, and proactively improve systems and processes. 
• Commitment to excellence in customer service.

Culture 

People enjoy working at the City of Port Phillip because we are a welcoming, healthy and inclusive workplace.  We offer a vibrant and diverse work environment where our employees can develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community. 

Benefits

• We offer a workplace which accommodates your working style and needs. 
• Be supported and empowered by a leadership team that is community focused, with a strong desire for change and a culture that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Training and development opportunities, study assistance, flexible working conditions, paid parental leave, an active social club, a health and wellbeing program, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Mandatory Requirements 

• Tertiary qualification in Town Planning/Urban Studies/Environmental Planning or a closely related field.
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence.

Security Requirements and Professional Obligations      

Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.  

Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:

• Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
• Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and                                                       
• Sufficient proof of their identity. 
• Evidence of COVID-19 Vaccination or valid medical exemption in line with City of Port Phillip Vaccination Policy 
• Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
• Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).  

How to Apply

Click APPLY

All applicants must provide a Cover Letter in response to the key selection criteria located on the last page of the position description. The Cover Letter should be no longer than 2 pages and include each heading in the Key Selection Criteria.

Note: Only applications submitted via the online Recruitment Portal will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be provided feedback.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Patricia Stewart, Planning Lead - Fishermans Bend, by email ***************@portphillip.vic.gov.au  

Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 17th March 2024

The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.

If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Shane Turner (Recruitment Advisor) on phone 0421 757 *** or email: ***********@portphillip.vic.gov.au