About the role
The Open Space Planning Unit is a specialist team of Open Space Planners and Senior Open Space Planners who are passionate about providing exceptional public open spaces for the benefit of the Greater Geelong Community.  We value integrity, equity, and fostering a positive, enjoyable workplace culture where ideas are shared and collaboration is encouraged.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead strategic and statutory planning processes, including development application assessments and planning referrals, to ensure open space and community recreation needs are met.
• Develop and implement open space strategies, policies, masterplans and guidelines to support a high-quality, sustainable, and accessible open space network across the municipality.
• Provide expert advice on open space planning, interpreting legislation, policy, and regulatory requirements, and guiding land acquisition and asset delivery.
• Manage the delivery and handover of open space assets, ensuring compliance with permits, agreements, and contribution plans, and overseeing integration into asset management systems.
• Deliver high-quality analysis and reporting, support funding applications, and lead open space planning projects including stakeholder engagement, governance, and communications.
• Provide direction, guidance, mentoring and support to team members, building capability within the Open Space Planning unit and related business areas.
• Drive continuous improvement by reviewing and enhancing Open Space Planning unit processes to promote innovation, efficiency, and high-quality service delivery.
• Manage and update relevant data sets, conduct research, and monitor community needs and usage patterns to support informed strategic planning and decision-making.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will have a Tertiary qualification in Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning or a related discipline.  In addition you will have demonstrated experience in recreation and open space planning, or a closely related field.

Essential Experience:

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent Council in public forums to achieve positive and effective outcomes.
• Proven project management expertise, successfully delivering open space strategies, policies, or related projects.
• Strong analytical skills, capable of gathering and interpreting data to support informed planning decisions.

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

A career with us
We’d love for you to continue your career with the City and set the benchmark for a sustainable, inclusive and culturally safe workplace.  With a range of benefits, flexible working options, learning and development opportunities, support services and the opportunity to give back to the community, the City has so much to offer!

Click https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/employment/article/item/8d1155a0d84344d.aspx to view all the benefits to you working at the City.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries
Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries: Alistair Bain | Coordinator Open Space Planning | abain@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

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