• Lead strategic planning for natural area protection and conservation outcomes.
• Critical in driving sustainable urban development across Geelong's growth areas.
• Permanent full time.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Strategic Environmental Planner to join our team. You will lead strategic environmental approvals and assist with preparation of Precinct Structure Plans and conservation reserve master planning. Your role will be critical in assisting with sustainable urban development across Geelong's growth areas, aligning with our Northern and Western Geelong Framework Plan, Environment Strategy and Clever and Creative Futures Strategy. This position offers the opportunity to provide expert environmental planning, project management, and strategic advice in collaboration with Council staff, consultants, and industry stakeholders.

The City of Greater Geelong is a vibrant and rapidly growing regional city, driving sustainable urban development to create a clever and creative community. Our vision centres on developing an environmentally sustainable region that embraces biodiversity protection and enhancement in an urban context and resilient and sustainable urban design. Our Sustainability and Environmental Planning Unit is instrumental in leading the way towards this vision, managing strategies such as the Environment Strategy, Climate Change Response Plan, and coastal and marine management plans.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic environmental initiatives to support sustainable urban development.
• Assist in the Northern and Western Growth Areas Part 10 EPBC Act Strategic Assessment and leading implementation of the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy for the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Area.
• Provide expert advice on conservation planning principles and native vegetation regulations in line with local, State, and Federal policies.
• Review strategic plans, including Native Vegetation Precinct Plans and Precinct Structure Plans.
• Prepare technical reports and offer strategic advice to Council, State, and Federal Government bodies.
• Contribute to statutory planning applications and strategic planning initiatives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including property developers, industry groups, and consultants, to achieve sustainable outcomes.

About You:

To excel in this role, you will possess a strategic focus, advanced project management capabilities, and a collaborative mindset towards sustainable urban development and the natural environment. Your expertise in conservation planning for natural areas, strong analytical abilities, and proven leadership will drive timely and impactful results.

Essential Experience:

• Qualifications:
  • Relevant tertiary qualification in Environmental Planning, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, or a related field, with demonstrated project management experience.
• Environmental Planning Knowledge:
  • In depth understanding of planning for threatened species and conservation reserve master planning in an urban context.
  • Understanding of the Victorian Planning Provisions, planning schemes related to Victorian Native Vegetation Removal regulations, and the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
  • Understanding of State and Federal environmental and biodiversity legislation.
• Problem Solving & Analysis:
  • Proven ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex environmental planning challenges, with a focus on sustainable solutions.
• Technical Writing & Strategy Development:
  • Experience in developing clear, concise technical reports, policies, or strategies, along with managing consultants for strategic outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation:
  • Strong facilitation skills with demonstrated experience managing multi-stakeholder consultations and engagements effectively.
• Communication Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration & Teamwork:
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, fostering effective working relationships.

These skills are crucial for managing strategic environmental planning, driving sustainable outcomes, and aligning with the City's sustainability vision.

If you're passionate about the natural environment within an urban context, inclusivity and community, apply now - we'd love to meet you!

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. .

Create our future together at the City of Greater Geelong

Join the City of Greater Geelong, a community-focused workplace on Wadawurrung Country. We deliver over 130 services to our growing population, striving to make our city a great place to live, work, and study. Our central location for Central Geelong-based employees is the Civic Precinct, Wurriki Nyal, a modern, sustainable, and inclusive workplace, along with our outreach locations.

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