Senior Open Space Planner

Mohawk Valley Community College; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Moonee Valley City Council is seeking a Senior Open Space Planner to lead open space planning projects and advance the Open Space Strategy. You will guide a small team, provide expert advice on land acquisition and asset management, and influence capital works decisions.

The role requires a tertiary qualification in Open Space Planning or Landscape Architecture and strong project management, analytical and communication skills to engage with diverse stakeholders and deliver strategic outcomes.

Qualifications

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Open Space Planning, Landscape Architecture or related discipline.
• Strong project management and evaluation skills.
• Excellent analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of open space planning projects, strategies, policies and plans that support the Open Space Strategy.
• Coordinate annual work plans for open space planning in collaboration with relevant managers.
• Undertake research, data analysis and needs assessments to inform planning decisions.
• Contribute to the capital works program by identifying open space priorities and assessing costs/benefits.
• Provide specialist advice on open space planning and asset management to various teams.
• Review major development proposals to ensure open space considerations are addressed.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Strategic thinking

Written communication

Verbal negotiation

Education

Open Space Planning

Landscape Architecture

Job description

Senior Open Space Planner

Reference number: 11335

Closing date: 11:00pm, Friday 30 October 2026

- Full-time permanent position.

- Salary commencing at $112,111.93 per annum, plus 12% superannuation, commensurate with skills and experience.

- Band 7.

The Opportunity

Moonee Valley City Council is seeking an experienced Senior Open Space Planner to lead the development and delivery of strategic open space planning projects that respond to the current and future needs of our growing and diverse community.

Working within the Sport, Recreation and Property department, you will play a key role in implementing Council’s Open Space Strategy, developing plans and policies, and identifying opportunities to enhance and expand our open space network. You will provide specialist advice on open space planning, land acquisition, asset planning and major development proposals, ensuring open space is considered in Council’s broader strategic planning and capital investment decisions. You will also lead and support a team of two Open Space Planners, providing direction and guidance to deliver Council’s open space planning priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of open space planning projects, strategies, policies and plans that support the implementation of Council’s Open Space Strategy.


• Coordinate annual work plans for Council’s open space planning function in collaboration with the Coordinator Sport Infrastructure & Open Space.


• Undertake research, data analysis and needs assessments to identify current and emerging open space requirements and inform evidence-based planning decisions.


• Contribute to the development of Council’s capital works program, including identifying open space development and renewal priorities, preparing business cases and assessing project costs and benefits.


• Oversee the development and implementation of a framework for open space acquisition and disposal, working collaboratively with Council’s Property Services team.


• Review major development proposals and prepare responses to statutory planning referrals to ensure open space requirements are appropriately considered.


• Provide specialist advice on open space planning, asset management, relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, including the acquisition of land for public open space.


• Contribute expert advice to cross-organisational projects involving capital investment, social infrastructure, environmental planning, asset management and climate resilience.


• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and recommendations for Council, management and external agencies.


• Provide leadership, supervision and guidance to two Open Space Planners, coordinating workloads, setting priorities and supporting their development to ensure the effective delivery of the open space planning program.


• Build and maintain effective relationships with community groups, sporting organisations, government agencies, consultants and other key stakeholders, representing Council in relevant external forums.

Skills & Experience

You will have a relevant tertiary qualification in Open Space Planning, Landscape Architecture or a related discipline, supported by demonstrated experience in developing and implementing open space planning policies, strategic plans and concept plans. You will bring strong project management and evaluation skills, with the ability to manage complex projects, develop comprehensive project plans, identify and mitigate risks, coordinate consultants and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes and budgets. You will have a sound understanding of open space planning and design principles, asset management planning, relevant local government legislation and policies, and the issues influencing open space provision in a growing municipality. Your strong analytical and strategic thinking skills will enable you to develop evidence-based recommendations, assess competing priorities and provide specialist advice to senior management and stakeholders. With excellent written, verbal, presentation and negotiation skills, you will be confident engaging with diverse stakeholders, facilitating collaboration across teams and building productive strategic relationships.