Senior Planning Officer

About the role

As a Senior Planning Officer, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality statutory planning services that support positive outcomes for the community. Working within a collaborative planning team, you will assess complex planning applications, provide expert advice to a wide range of stakeholders, and help ensure planning decisions are fair, transparent and consistent with legislation and Council policies.

You will lead the assessment and coordination of complex planning matters, preparing well-reasoned recommendations and decisions that can stand up to scrutiny. A strong focus of the role is building positive relationships with applicants, community members, consultants, referral authorities and internal stakeholders by providing clear, practical advice and helping resolve planning issues.

In addition to managing a diverse planning caseload, you will provide guidance and support to other planners, contribute to service improvements, and help implement planning reforms and process improvements. Your work will support efficient planning services, strong governance practices and continuous improvement across the team.

We have two positions:

• One full-time permanent position (38 hours per week)
• One 12 months, or until December 2027, full-time temporary (parental leave backfill) position (38 hours per week).

These are both Band 6 roles with an hourly rate between $51.18 and $55.79 per hour, plus superannuation.

Benefits of working with us:

• Support work-life balance with your choice of monthly or fortnightly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.
• For permanent staff, 20 weeks paid primary caregiver leave (6 weeks for secondary caregivers) plus other generous leave options such as volunteer leave, family planning, study assistance and menstrual and menopause leave.
• Opportunities for professional development and to take on temporary roles in other teams to grow your skills and experience.
• Novated lease vehicle options.

Experience and skills we’re looking for

• Demonstrated senior-level statutory planning experience assessing and determining planning applications in a local government.
• A sound understanding of planning legislation, planning schemes, policies and statutory processes.
• The ability to manage complex and sensitive planning matters while balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Well-developed communication skills, with the confidence to provide clear advice to applicants, community members and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make balanced and evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience preparing high-quality reports, correspondence and other statutory planning documentation.
• A collaborative approach to working with colleagues, referral authorities and a broad range of external stakeholders.
• Capability to mentor, support or share technical knowledge with other team members.
• A commitment to identifying opportunities to improve processes, customer service and team practices.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Town Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning or a related discipline, together with senior-level statutory planning experience.
• Great organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate confidently with diverse customers.

If you have some but not all these skills or experience, we still encourage you to apply. Especially if you have the right attitude and willingness to learn.

How to apply

Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking ‘Apply’. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 1 November 2026.

Contact person: Marcella Simone, Executive Officer Planning Services, 03 9294 6178

If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at careers@yarraranges.vic.gov.au.

Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check.

About Yarra Ranges Council

Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.

Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.