Senior Recreation Planner

Baw Baw Shire Council; Drouin; On-site; AUD 109,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Flexible schedule

Learning & development

Rostered day off every four weeks

Career development

Study assistance

Employee Assistance Programs

Social club

Public transport access

Free parking nearby

Job summary

The Senior Recreation Planner at Baw Baw Shire Council will lead the development, review and implementation of recreation strategies, master plans and infrastructure planning, guiding council decision‑making and long‑term investment.

You will collaborate with communities, sporting groups and government agencies to produce business cases, engage stakeholders and secure funding, translating community needs into practical projects that deliver active, connected communities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading recreation strategies and master plans.
• Experience managing business cases, consultants and funding submissions.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of recreation strategies, master plans and policy frameworks.
• Coordinate engagement with communities, sporting groups and government agencies.
• Provide evidence-based advice on assets and capital works priorities.
• Translate community needs into practical projects and long-term recreation outcomes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualification in recreation planning or related field

Job description

• Band 7 $108,647 - $121,576 + Superannuation + Monthly RDO
• Permanent Full Time, 1.0 FTE
• Lead strategic recreation planning, infrastructure investment and partnerships that support active and connected communities.

Shape the future of recreation across Baw Baw Shire by leading strategies, master plans, facility planning and evidence‑based investment priorities.

About Baw Baw Shire Council

A Baw Baw Shire Council career goes beyond business as usual. You'll find exciting development pathways rich in opportunity. Our thriving and engaged culture‑first workplace is built on the passion and talent of people who proudly deliver vital services and exciting projects to a community they care about.

Our organisation comprises of a multicultural workplace of around 400 full‑time, part‑time and casual employees, all benefiting from great flexibility, work/life sway, study support, health and wellbeing initiatives and ongoing learning and development programs.

At Baw Baw Shire Council, we invite our people to tackle projects that keep them inspired. We encourage the exploration of new ideas. We support the enhancement of building on current skills and developing new ones.

Located adjacent to Melbourne, Baw Baw Shire is one of Victoria's fastest growing municipalities with freeway and V/Line access into Melbourne's CBD and suburbs. This allows easy access to training, seminars and conferences in the city, without diminishing the direct impact that comes from working within a close‑knit rural community.

To learn more visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au

About the Role

The Senior Recreation Planner leads the development, review and implementation planning of recreation strategies, master plans, feasibility studies and policy frameworks that guide Council decision‑making and long‑term investment. Working across Council and with community members, sporting organisations, government agencies and other partners, the role leads facility planning, business cases, engagement and funding submissions. It also provides evidence‑based advice on recreation assets, capital works priorities and infrastructure investment, helping translate community needs into practical projects and long‑term recreation outcomes.

About the Successful Candidate

We are seeking an experienced Senior Recreation Planner with a relevant tertiary qualification in recreation planning, sport and leisure, community infrastructure planning, urban or regional planning, project management, public policy or a related discipline. You will bring substantial relevant experience leading recreation strategies, master plans, policy frameworks, feasibility studies or community infrastructure planning projects from initiation through consultation, endorsement and implementation planning.

You will have strong strategic thinking, analytical and project leadership skills, with the ability to interpret demographic, participation, asset, service demand and policy information to develop evidence‑based recommendations. Experience preparing business cases, managing consultants, prioritising projects and securing funding through grant applications and submissions will support your success in the role.

Strong communication, consultation, negotiation and relationship management skills are essential. You will be able to build productive partnerships and provide clear strategic advice to community groups, sporting organisations, government agencies, Councillors, senior leaders and internal teams.

You will be collaborative, community‑focused and comfortable exercising professional judgement in a complex environment. Your ability to balance competing priorities, work with diverse communities and turn evidence into practical planning and investment outcomes will be central to the role.

Why you’ll love working at Baw Baw Shire

We believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us:

• Hybrid work is the norm here at Baw Baw for roles that can support it.
• Flexible work options, Baw Baw is committed to work‑life balance.
• Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs.
• Access to rostered day off every four weeks (when working full time.)
• Career development opportunities.
• Study/development assistance.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP.)
• A thriving Social Club.
• Close to Public transport.
• Ample free parking nearby.

Baw Baw Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and works in the interest of the safety of children and young people. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.