Open Space Planner

Whittlesea; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working from home

Band 6 remuneration + 12% super

Wellbeing program with gym access

Job summary

The City of Whittlesea is seeking an Open Space Planner to develop strategies and masterplans that guide open spaces, paths and greening across the municipality. You will work across teams to implement the Public Open Space Plan and support long‑term aims for Whittlesea 2040.

This full‑time, hybrid role offers a Band 6 remuneration package with 12% super, flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive wellbeing program including gym discounts.

Qualifications

• Love shaping public spaces and greenery with a practical, design‑led approach.
• Blend strategy with design to move from big picture to concept plans.
• Communicate clearly and warmly in reports, plans and resident discussions.
• Collaborate with planners, arborists, engineers, designers and community officers.
• Solve open space challenges like safety, shade, connectivity and greening.
• Demonstrate strong technical capability in visual communication, GIS and CAD.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies and plans guiding the design, management and outcomes of open spaces.
• Implement the Public Open Space Plan and contribute to Whittlesea 2040 goals.
• Prepare Masterplans and landscape Improvement Plans for open space, paths and greening.
• Collaborate with Urban Design, Parks & City Forest, Strategic Planning and others.
• Provide expert advice for integrated planning, capital prioritisation and precinct planning.
• Support business cases, feasibility studies and grant applications for major initiatives.

Skills

Visual communication

Tools

Adobe Suite

GIS

CAD

Job description

Core Intro

The City of Whittlesea is unique. We are a growing and diverse Council, offering interesting work and exciting opportunities to explore. Here, you will find a team of friendly and authentic people who, together, create a fun and supportive environment. It is a place where the real you is welcomed, your wellbeing is prioritised and your work matters. If you are inspired by delivering for our community, have a desire to grow, and can bring a positive energy to share with your talented colleagues, then you might just find your place with us.

The part you will play

• Developing strategies and plans that guide the design, management and measurable outcomes of Council’s open spaces.
• Implementing the Public Open Space Plan and contributing to key Whittlesea 2040 goals such as increasing use of open space, improving perceptions of safety and greening the city.
• Preparing Masterplans and landscape Improvement Plans that integrate open space, shared paths, greening and water‑management initiatives.
• Collaborating across Council with Urban Design, Parks & City Forest, Strategic Planning, Sustainable Environment, Capital Delivery and more.
• Providing expert advice for integrated planning, capital prioritisation and precinct planning.
• Supporting business cases, feasibility studies and grant applications for major open space initiatives.

Let’s talk about you

• Love shaping public spaces — you get excited about parks, paths, greenery and creating places people genuinely enjoy.
• Blend strategy with design — you can zoom out to see the big picture and zoom in to refine a concept plan.
• Communicate with clarity and warmth — whether you’re writing a report, presenting a plan or chatting with residents.
• Collaborate with diverse teams — planners, arborists, engineers, designers, community officers… you work well with all of them.
• Solve tricky open space challenges — from safety and shade to connectivity and greening, you enjoy finding smart solutions.
• Bring strong technical capability — Adobe Suite, GIS, CAD and clear visual communication are part of your toolkit.

Why you will love working with us

In addition to the role, we also offer a variety of benefits. Here are just a few:

• The total remuneration package is Band 6 $100,440.08 plus 12% super
• This is a full time role and provides a monthly or fortnightly RDO for full‑time staff – your choice!
• Flexible working practices, including hybrid working from home arrangements
• Comprehensive Wellbeing program, including free exercise classes and discounted gym access
• There are many more benefits available to you, check them out by visiting our website using this link.

We welcome applications from international candidates if you have a valid Visa to work in Australia. The closing date is 12:00am Sunday 13 September 2026. We will review applications as they are received and may organise interviews before the closing date, so dont delay your application if you are interested in being considered.

Position Description: Open Space Planner PD

We are one of the largest and fastest‑growing municipalities in Australia. As a local government organisation, we play a pivotal role in the everyday lives of our community. Our vision is to make Whittlesea 2040: A Place for All by ensuring our residents can enjoy access to local services, facilities and infrastructure.

Vision, Purpose and Values

Whittlesea 2040 A place for all is our long‑term vision for the City of Whittlesea. It guides all our work and future partnerships with the community and others. Our vision, purpose and values all feed into this overarching commitment.

Our Customer Charter

We're commited to providing excellent service and satisfaction to all community members: residents, businesses, vendors and visitiors. As part of this commitment, we've developed a Customer Charter that outlines the standards of Service you can expect from us.

We recognise that our people are diverse, we create a work environment where all people feel like they can bring their true selves to work, every day.

Research tells us that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often don’t apply for roles if they don’t meet all the criteria – unlike a majority of candidates who meet significantly fewer requirements. We support and encourage you to apply if you are interested; we’d love to know how your unique experience can enhance our team.