About the role
In this role, you will be responsible for investigating complaints from the public and internal departments to ensure compliance with land use planning and development legislation, planning schemes, and permit conditions. You will conduct site inspections, interviews, and research to assess compliance, which may occasionally involve working outside of standard business hours. Your work will play a key role in upholding planning regulations and supporting responsible development within the municipality.

Work type: Permanent Full Time
Classification: Band 5 Commencing at $78,646 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide effective written and verbal communications with property owners, occupiers and other customers of their rights and obligations under the provisions of land use planning and development legislation, the planning scheme and planning permits.
• Under the direction of the Statutory Planning Co-ordinator or a Team Leader of Statutory Planning, negotiate or mediate the resolution of complaints and/or other matters being investigated.
• Assist and prepare Planning Infringement Notices, correspondence through the Magistrates’ Court and enforcement orders at VCAT and/or other forums as required.
• Assist in briefing Council’s Solicitor on enforcement matters as required.
• Undertake joint investigations with staff from other Council Departments when appropriate.
• Establish positive communications with clients and the general public and educate and promote the need for adherence to the various statutes, legislation, local laws and policies.
• Promote the city’s policy of Excellence in Customer Service. Identify, implement and review strategies to improve service quality.
• Assist with appropriate development, coordination, integration and provision of regulatory services.

About you
To be successful in this role, you will have theoretical and practical knowledge and ability to interpret Town Planning legislation and practices and associated legislation.

Essential Experience:

• Awareness of current trends and issues affecting town planning.
• Well-developed analytical, investigative, interpretative and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced computer skills.
• Ability to effectively plan, organise and manage own time to achieve targets within a set timetable.
• Current Victorian Drivers Licence.
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

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:  Shane Pritchard | Team Leader Statutory Planning | SPritchard@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.