Rail Planner

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria in Melbourne seeks a Rail Network Planner to support short, medium and long-term planning for Victoria’s rail network. The role uses demand modelling to forecast needs and informs government advice and VIDA in shaping future investment.

You will contribute to rail strategies, plans and network artefacts covering rolling stock and service concepts, and prepare briefings for Ministers while collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated

Qualifications

• Experience in transport planning or rail operations.
• Understanding of Victoria's freight and passenger rail network.

Responsibilities

• Support short, medium and long-term planning for Victoria's mixed-use rail network using demand modelling and analysis.
• Forecast future needs and identify service, rollingstock and infrastructure requirements.
• Prepare clear advice and briefings for leaders and Ministers, and support integration with VIDA in planning documents.
• Collaborate with transport planners, major projects, Transport Services and VIDA to develop whole-of-network plans.

Skills

Transport planning

Rail operations

Data analysis

Education

Rail transport knowledge

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

The Rail Network Planner supports short, medium and long-term planning for Victoria’s mixed-use rail network. The role uses demand modelling and analysis to forecast future needs, identify service, rollingstock and infrastructure requirements, and support advice to Government and VIDA.

The role contributes to rail strategies, plans and network artefacts covering rollingstock, stabling, maintenance and service concepts. It also prepares clear advice and briefings for leaders and Ministers, and works closely with transport planners, major projects, Transport Services and VIDA to develop integrated, whole-of-network plans that guide future investment.

Whatwe’relooking for

You’resomeone who:

• Uses critical thinking and data to solve problems, applying evidence, analysis and sound judgement to develop practical solutions and informed recommendations.
• Communicates clearly and influences with evidence, using facts, data and balanced options to explain and support decisions.
• Takes a future-focused approach, aligning your work with broader organisational goals and staying current with emerging technologies and best practice.
• Understands the bigger picture, recognising how your work connects across systems, people and processes to deliver meaningful outcomes.
• Brings practical data analytics and transport planning expertise, turning complex information into clear insights and applying knowledge to transport and land use challenges.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• Transport planning qualifications or experience, or experience in a rail operations environment.
• An understanding of Victoria’s freight and passenger rail network.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, 8th November 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Chris Bright - Director Rail Network Planning, at************@transport.vic.gov.au.

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.