Principal Planner

Overview

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $142,790 - $191,084

Grade: VPS 6

Occupation: Planning

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 11343

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

There are two Fixed Term Positions until 30 June 2028

Come and be part of a newly formed Planning Reform Implementation team within State Planning Policy and Reform branch in Department of Transport and Planning to deliver the implementation of the non-legislative components of the Planning Amendment (Better Decisions Made Faster) Act 2026 including reforming the Victoria Planning Provisions and developing guidance and supporting documentation to give effect to the new legislative framework and broader whole-of-government objectives.

Working both independently and collaboratively, the Principal Planner role requires a motivated individual with extensive experience in both statutory and strategic planning, policy development, along with strong skills in project delivery, stakeholder engagement and critical thinking.

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria)

You’re someone who:

Provides strategic leadership in project delivery, policy development and statutory planning, driving complex initiatives aligned with broader organisational objectives.

Builds strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influences outcomes and navigates competing priorities to achieve shared goals.

Applies critical thinking and broad strategic insight to develop sustainable solutions and address complex challenges across government environments.

Champions effective project management practices, improving capability, governance and delivery outcomes across teams and programs.

Uses expert statutory planning knowledge to influence strategic direction, support capability uplift and deliver high-impact outcomes.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

A relevant qualification in Urban Planning, Environment, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Economics, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design or a related discipline (mandatory).

Thorough knowledge of the Victoria Planning Provisions and the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (mandatory).

Demonstrated experience in statutory and strategic planning, including delivering complex planning projects, policy development and implementation within state or local government (mandatory).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 13th July 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Stuart Menzies, Executive Director, State Planning Policy and Reform at Stuart.menzies@transport.vic.gov.au.

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

Important Information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.

Applications close Monday 13 July 2026 at 11.59pm

Posted

7 July 2026