Senior Planner

Department of Transport and Planning; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Planner for a fixed-term role of 12 months. The position involves statutory planning advice, assessing permit applications and planning scheme amendments, and managing complex projects and timelines.

The Senior Planner will prepare planning reports, briefs and correspondence, build relationships with agencies and stakeholders, and contribute to departmental priorities in a culturally safe workplace. Melbourne – CBD location.

Qualifications

• Builds collaboration and partnerships, working across teams to achieve shared outcomes.
• Understands the political and organisational context, considering diverse priorities within ethical, legal and organisational requirements.
• Focuses on outcomes and customers, linking work to strategy and community impact while managing service delivery risks.
• Applies strong critical thinking and problem-solving, identifying recurring issues and lasting solutions.
• Builds trust and commitment, facilitates constructive discussions and delivers timely, high-quality outcomes through co-creation.

Responsibilities

• Provides statutory planning advice and assesses planning permit applications and amendments.
• Prepares high-quality planning reports, briefs and correspondence.
• Manages complex approvals and timelines and supports senior management with guidance.
• Builds strong relationships with government agencies and stakeholders and promotes knowledge sharing.

Skills

Collaboration

Policy understanding

Customer focus

Critical thinking

Co-creation

Education

Planning qualification

Job description

Title: Senior Planner

Requisition ID: 12244

Work Type: Fixed Term Full Time

Fixed Term Period: 12 months (18/10/2026 to 8/10/2027)

Location: Melbourne - CBD

Date Posted: 14 Sept 2026

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and 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

This is a Fixed Term Position until 8 October 2027

The Senior Planner provides statutory planning advice and assesses planning permit applications and planning scheme amendments where the Minister for Planning is the responsible authority. The role manages complex projects, including Development Facilitation Program projects, and provides expert advice on planning, policy, governance and major initiatives.

The role prepares high-quality planning reports, briefs and correspondence, manages complex approvals and timelines, and provides authoritative advice to senior management. It builds strong relationships with government agencies and stakeholders, supports effective team performance and knowledge sharing, and contributes flexibly to departmental priorities and a positive, culturally safe workplace.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

• Builds collaboration and strong partnerships, creating a culture of knowledge sharing, working across teams and navigating different perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
• Understands the political and organisational context, considering diverse priorities and interests while working within ethical, legal and organisational requirements.
• Focuses on outcomes and customers, connecting work to strategic direction and community impact while understanding customer needs and managing service delivery risks.
• Applies strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, considering broader business impacts, identifying recurring issues and developing practical, lasting solutions.
• Builds trust and commitment, facilitating constructive discussions, resolving differences and delivering timely, high-quality outcomes through effective co-creation.

Qualifications And Experience

• A relevant qualification in planning (mandatory).
• Significant experience in private consulting, local or state government statutory planning (mandatory).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

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.

For further information about the role, please contact Bart Gane, Manager Development Assessment at [e-mail].