Student Statutory Planner

Darebin City Council; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 79,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible study commitments

Mentoring and development

Supportive planning team

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Darebin City Council offers a unique Student Planner role in a fast-growing metropolitan area. This temporary, part-time program spans 12 months, rotating between Planning Administration and Statutory Planning.

You’ll manage real planning applications with guidance from experienced planners and learn through hands-on exposure while you study. The role supports your studies, provides structured mentorship, and helps you develop practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional confidence for

Qualifications

• Interested in pursuing a career in statutory planning or local government planning.
• Currently studying a degree in land use planning, town planning or a related discipline.
• Understanding of Victorian planning system and related legislation from tertiary studies.
• Ability to research, analyse and interpret planning-related issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality statutory planning advice under supervision.
• Assist with assessment of simple planning applications under supervision.
• Prepare planning reports and recommendations under supervision.
• Assist with planning administration and customer service functions.

Skills

Interest in planning

Customer service

Time management

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in land use planning or town planning (studying)

Job description

• Gain real-world experience while studying
• Structured 12-month rotational program across Planning Administration and Statutory Planning
• Manage real planning applications under the guidance of experienced planners
• Work on diverse and meaningful projects
• Circa $71,737.12 plus super (Band 3) (Pro-rata)
• Heart of Preston location, close to public transport, shops and the Preston Market.

• Gain real-world experience while studying
• Structured 12-month rotational program across Planning Administration and Statutory Planning
• Manage real planning applications under the guidance of experienced planners
• Work on diverse and meaningful projects
• Circa $71,737.12 plus super (Band 3) (Pro-rata)
• Heart of Preston location, close to public transport, shops and the Preston Market.

Turn your planning studies into real-world experience. Build your skills, gain industry exposure, and manage real applications while you learn.

In a fast-growing and constantly evolving metropolitan municipality, a high-performing and collaborative Planning Services team is essential to delivering Darebin’s vision for a more equitable, vibrant and connected city.

This is an exciting opportunity to gain practical local government experience while working alongside experienced planning professionals in a supportive learning environment.

About the role:

This is a unique opportunity for a Student Planner to gain valuable hands‑on experience within a progressive, customer‑focused planning environment. Designed to complement your studies, this temporary part‑time position will help you build practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional confidence through a structured 12‑month rotational program.

During the program, you will rotate across two key areas of Council's Planning Department:

Planning Administration Unit – develop a strong understanding of planning processes, customer service delivery, application administration, and stakeholder engagement.

Statutory Planning Unit – manage your own portfolio of planning applications under the guidance of experienced planners, providing exposure to assessment processes, decision‑making, and development outcomes.

You’ll gain exposure to the full planning process, from customer enquiries and application lodgement through to assessment, decision making and permit outcomes. Throughout the program, you will be supported by experienced planners, administration specialists, and leaders who are committed to mentoring, knowledge sharing, and fostering professional growth. This hands‑on experience will help build the practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence needed to commence a career in planning, while contributing to high‑quality land use and development outcomes that help shape our community.

You will:

• Under supervision, provide high‑quality statutory planning advice and customer service to applicants, residents and Council staff.
• Under supervision assist with the assessment and determination of planning applications of a simple nature in accordance with relevant legislation, policy and planning controls.
• Under supervision, prepare planning reports and recommendations for planning permit applications and related matters.
• Under supervision, assist with planning administration and customer service functions to support the efficient operation of the planning service.

About you:

Set out the skills, experience and values we are looking for.

• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in statutory planning or local government planning
• Currently studying a degree in land use planning, town planning, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Victorian planning system, including relevant legislation and planning controls, gained through tertiary studies.
• Ability to research, analyse and interpret planning‑related issues and information.
• Well‑developed time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks, develop work plans and achieve outcomes within required timeframes.
• Well‑developed customer service and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

Why Darebin?

Darebin City Council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.

We offer:

• A supportive team environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity
• The chance to make a real difference
• Flexible work arrangements to support study commitments
• Mentoring and development opportunities within an experienced planning team

Pre‑employment Checks

Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.

To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards.

All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.