About the City
City of Greater Geelong is Victoria’s largest regional municipality providing services to a growing population of 244,000 residents across 1247km2 comprised of urban, suburban, rural and coastal environments located 75km from Melbourne. The spectacular beauty of the natural environment and the creative design and historical significance of its built environment make the municipality a major tourism magnet for local and international visitors.

Our people take pride in their work and are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of residents of the Geelong region. Employees are provided with engaging and rewarding work and a culture of respect and collaboration. On offer are professional development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, parental leave – 14 weeks paid leave, health & wellbeing program, discounted gym memberships at council facilities and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated and professional team, working together for the community.

About the City Development Department
This department is part of our Planning and Development Division, and is responsible for the provision of information, advice and assistance regarding municipal building services, planning permits, planning scheme amendments and rezoning.

About the Role
The position works with a dedicated team of professionals, providing an efficient and effective advisory service to public and other key stakeholders. As a senior member of the team, you will assess priority projects within the City of Greater Geelong and provide coaching and mentoring to junior members. Drawing on your extensive experience and knowledge for the purpose of providing high quality planning advice and contributing to new and innovative approaches will be encouraged.

Some of the key responsibilities in this role will include:

1. Investigating and evaluating development applications (including major development and growth area applications) within a team environment to determine compliance with relevant legislation and ensure balanced decisions are made within prescribed time frames.
2. Assisting with the co-ordination of input from various government departments and the general public to meet deadlines as set.
3. Preparing correspondence in relation to Council decisions and enquiries from the public.
4. Providing clients with a professional and up to date advisory service and assisting the public with enquiries.
5. Representing the City of Greater Geelong in public forums, legal proceedings and appeal hearings.
6. Assisting with and maintaining appropriate administrative and information recording systems within the team.
7. Assisting with, and from time to time carrying out, investigations and inspections to assist clients and ensure compliance with relevant legislation, planning controls and permits.
8. Providing advice and recommendations on applications concerning gaming and liquor control legislation.

About You
To be successful in this role, you will require:

1. A tertiary qualification in town planning or urban studies (or related field) and extensive experience in a local government town planning office.
2. Theoretical and practical knowledge and ability to interpret town-planning legislation and practices.
3. Thorough understanding of the operation of local government, the Victorian planning system and the legal process generally within Victoria.
4. Highly developed analytical, investigative and communication skills.
5. Proven experience in mentoring staff.
6. Ability to negotiate and resolve conflict. 
7. Proven ability to meet time frames in a pressured environment.

Applications and Enquiries
Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position. Applicants must address the Key Selection Criteria as listed in the position description.

Enquiries: John Rush | 03 5272 4033 | John.Rush@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Applications close 5:00pm Friday 28 June 2019.

Position Description

Click the Apply for this job button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity.

City of Greater Geelong values equal opportunity, fairness and enjoys a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications are encouraged from people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, and people of all other cultural backgrounds.