Open Space Planner

City of Greater Geelong; Geelong; On-site; AUD 89,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Greater Geelong is seeking a planning specialist to review open space development, ensuring high-quality, well-designed public spaces for a growing community. You will provide expert advice and coordinate across departments to align with council standards and growth strategies.

The role emphasises collaboration with internal teams and external partners, with a fixed-term 9-month appointment at Band 6, offering a competitive salary plus superannuation.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in town planning, urban design, recreation planning, landscape architecture or related field.
• Experience in policy development and advocating land management strategies.
• Knowledge of planning legislation and statutory processes for open space planning.
• Ability to collect, analyse and interpret data to inform policy decisions.
• Proven ability to build professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Assist with coordinating feedback on planning referrals and landscape plans from City departments.
• Provide specialist advice on legislative requirements for open space networks and recreation services.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to implement council policies and standards for growth areas.
• Review and advise on open space master plans and landscape plans required by planning permit conditions.
• Project manage internal and external stakeholders in planning and delivering public open space projects.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Open space planning

Town planning knowledge

Education

Town planning degree

Urban design degree

Landscape architecture degree

Job description

About the role

In this role, you will play a key part in shaping the City's future as it continues to grow. You will be responsible for reviewing planning applications relating to the design and development of new public open spaces, ensuring they are thoughtfully planned, well-designed and responsive to the needs of our growing community.

Working collaboratively with internal teams, developers and other stakeholders, you will provide expert advice to help deliver high-quality public open spaces that enhance liveability, support community connection and contribute to the long-term growth and sustainability of the City.

Work type: Fixed term full time (9 months)
Classification: Band 6 at $98,633 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist with the coordination of feedback on planning referrals and landscape plans from the various City of Greater Geelong departments responsible for management of assets within open space.
• Provide specialist advice and interpretation of legislative and regulatory requirements pertaining to the planning and development of open space networks and recreation services.
• Work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure the implementation of Council policy, strategies and standards relating to public open space is afforded a high priority in the planning and development of Growth Areas and urban infill development.
• Review and provide advice on public open space master plans and landscape plans required under planning permit conditions.
• Project manage internal and external stakeholders in the planning and delivery of projects within public open space.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have a tertiary qualification in town planning, urban design, recreation planning, landscape architecture or a related field with relevant experience.

Essential Experience

• Demonstrated experience in the development, implementation and advocacy of policy and strategies relating to land management.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of town planning legislation and statutory planning processes relevant to open space planning.
• A sound knowledge of contemporary recreation and open space trends and issues.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, analyse and interpret data from a range of sources, to inform policy development and planning decisions
• Demonstrated ability to develop positive professional relationships a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in project management and infrastructure delivery.
• Current Victorian Driver's Licence

Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

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 ourChild 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

Enquiries: Alistair Bain | Coordinator Open Space Planning | [e-mail]

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.