Planning Compliance Officer

Hepburn Shire Council; Daylesford; Hybrid; AUD 88,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9-day fortnight for full-time

4 weeks annual leave

17.5% leave loading

Professional development

Wellbeing support

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Hepburn Shire Council in Daylesford is seeking an experienced Planning Compliance Officer to investigate planning breaches and resolve compliance matters. You will inspect sites, assess evidence, and advise on statutory requirements while taking enforcement action when needed.

You will work with owners, applicants and officers, enjoy a 9-day fortnight, four weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading, and opportunities for professional development in a supportive, inclusive workplace.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications and experience in compliance investigation, law or town planning.
• Sound knowledge of the Victorian planning system and relevant legislation.
• Experience in local government or regulatory environment, including representing or advocating at VCAT or court, will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning controls and determine appropriate compliance or enforcement action.
• Conduct inspections, gather and assess evidence and manage planning compliance matters.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Council policies and procedures.
• Work with property owners, applicants, Council officers and external agencies to resolve compliance matters.
• Provide clear and practical advice on planning and statutory requirements.
• Prepare reports, evidence and enforcement documentation.
• Represent Council at VCAT, Magistrates’ Court and other proceedings as required.

Skills

Investigation skills

Education

Tertiary qualification in compliance/investigation or planning

Job description

Help protect the integrity of planning across our community.

We’re looking for an experienced Planning Compliance Officer to investigate and resolve planning compliance matters and support appropriate, practical outcomes across Hepburn Shire.

You’ll combine sound knowledge of the Victorian planning system with investigation and problem-solving skills, undertaking inspections, assessing evidence, providing advice and taking compliance and enforcement action where required.

• Permanent | Full Time
• 9-day fortnight available for full-time employees
• Salary: $87,616.88 to $95,465.92 per annum (Band 6), plus superannuation
• Location: Daylesford | Hybrid work arrangements available

What you’ll do

• Investigate alleged breaches of planning controls and determine appropriate compliance or enforcement action.
• Conduct inspections, gather and assess evidence and manage planning compliance matters.
• Interpret and apply relevant legislation, Council policies and procedures.
• Work with property owners, applicants, Council officers and external agencies to resolve compliance matters.
• Provide clear and practical advice on planning and statutory requirements.
• Prepare reports, evidence and enforcement documentation.
• Represent Council at VCAT, Magistrates’ Court and other proceedings as required.

About you

You’ll bring tertiary qualifications and experience in a relevant field such as compliance investigation, law or town planning, together with demonstrated experience in planning compliance, investigations, regulatory enforcement or a related field.

You’ll have sound knowledge of the Victorian planning system and relevant legislation, strong investigation, communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills, sound professional judgement, and the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.

Experience in local government or a similar regulatory environment, including representing or advocating at VCAT, Magistrates’ Court or similar proceedings, will be highly regarded.

• Enjoy meaningful work, a 9-day fortnight for full-time employees, four weeks annual leave plus 17.5% leave loading, professional development, wellbeing support and a supportive, collaborative and inclusive workplace.

Inclusion

Hepburn Shire Council is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, cultures, genders and identities.If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Applications close: Sunday, 15 November 2026, 5.00pm
Interviews: Planned for the week commencing 23 November 2026.