About the role
This role sits within the Urban Design and Place department and contributes to the strategic planning and delivery of a connected network of open spaces across Greater Geelong. The position combines statutory planning expertise with policy development to support high-quality public spaces for the community.

Work type: Fixed Term Full Time (12 months)
Classification: Band 7 Commencing at $106,158 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the preparation and coordination of statutory planning referral responses relating to open space for development applications.
• Provide specialist policy and technical advice on open space and recreation planning matters across Council.
• Develop and implement strategies, policies, guidelines and procedures to support best-practice open space planning and delivery.
• Collaborate with developers, consultants and internal stakeholders to review and approve public open space designs in line with Council standards.
• Analyse and interpret recreation and open space data to inform strategic planning and future infrastructure needs.
• Prepare reports, briefings and business cases to support decision-making and investment in open space initiatives.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will bring demonstrated experience in open space planning, landscape architecture or a related field, along with strong knowledge of planning legislation and policy relating to public land and recreation. You will have excellent communication and negotiation skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a collaborative approach to working with stakeholders to deliver positive planning outcomes.

Essential Experience:

• Tertiary qualification and several years of recent experience in open space planning, landscape architecture, or a related field.
• Current Victorian Driver’s Licence
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check

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

Child Safety Responsibilities   
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion  
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

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 | 5272 4920 | 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.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience.  We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.