Senior Planner

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

Job summary

The Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Planner to lead strategic planning policies and projects. You will provide high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice, manage complex initiatives, and develop policy options for government commitments.

You will engage with stakeholders and agencies, interpret legislation, and prepare planning documents. A relevant qualification and extensive planning experience are required for this fixed-term role.

Qualifications

• Ability to influence and engage stakeholders to gain support for ideas.
• Develops clear, strategic policy solutions balancing community needs and priorities.
• Think critically to solve complex problems and deliver practical solutions.
• Lead complex projects with resources and stakeholders to meet strategic objectives.
• Advance statutory planning expertise while mentoring others.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning policies and projects supporting government strategies.
• Provide high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice.
• Manage complex projects, develop policy options and prepare planning documents.
• Engage with stakeholders and Traditional Owners in respectful consultation.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic policy development

Critical thinking

Project leadership

Statutory planning expertise

Education

Urban planning qualification

Victoria Planning Provisions knowledge

Experience in government planning

Job description

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

1 x Fixed Term Positions until 30 June 2027

1 x Fixed Term Positions until 6 June 2027

The Senior Planner leads strategic planning policies and projects that support government strategies and commitments. The role provides high-quality statutory and strategic planning advice, manages complex projects, develops policy and prepares clear reports and planning documents. The role requires strong planning knowledge, sound judgement, critical thinking and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Key responsibilities include working with stakeholders and government agencies, interpreting legislation, supporting planning scheme amendments, developing policy options and engaging respectfully with Traditional Owners and First Peoples.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

You’re someone who:

• Influences and engages effectively, building strong stakeholder relationships, gaining support for ideas and working collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes.
• Develops clear, strategic policy solutions, considering community needs, government priorities and the broader impact of policies and programs.
• Thinks critically and solves complex problems, considering multiple perspectives, identifying recurring issues and delivering practical, lasting solutions.
• Leads complex projects and programs, balancing competing priorities, managing resources and stakeholders, and delivering outcomes aligned with strategic objectives.
• Brings advanced statutory planning expertise, confidently navigating complex planning matters and stakeholders while supporting, coaching and mentoring others.

Qualifications and experience You’ll bring

• A relevant qualification in Urban Planning, Environment, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Economics, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or a related discipline (mandatory).
• Thorough knowledge of the Victoria Planning Provisions and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (mandatory).
• Demonstrated experience in statutory and strategic planning, complex planning projects, and policy development and implementation, ideally within state or local government (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.

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.

Important Information

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

Contact

Please contact Nihal Altuntas, Manager, Strategic Planning, at [email protected] .

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 9 November 2026.