Who We Are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra—we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home —just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place.

About The Role

This is a fixed term, full time contract until June 2026 based in our Docklands Head office, with flexibility to work from home.

The Principal Land Use Planner is accountable to the Manager Strategic Land Policy Development for leading the integration of sea level rise planning for Melbourne Water. This role will see you working closely with a range of stakeholders to shape how we understand and plan for sea level rise and coastal inundation. We work to imagine, create and contribute to the delivery of great places for communities now and into the future.

We are looking for strategic urban planners and policy professionals with a passion for leading project teams to deliver outcomes in complex land use and organisational settings with a range of stakeholders.

The role will require you to:

• Plan, deliver and evaluate strategic land use planning projects
• Engage internal and external stakeholders, partners and customers to strategically identify and plan appropriate land use planning opportunities
• Coordinate policy development to plan for the long term impacts of sea level rise and land use change to support Melbourne Water decisions.
• Communicate the role of Melbourne Water in contributing to land use planning outcomes

About You

• Demonstrated track record of strategic land use planning and Land Use Planning policies, legislation and procedures
• Knowledgeable about coastal land use planning, sea level rise and coastal flood modelling would be desirable
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Ability to lead engage with stakeholders to build, maintain and improve relationships
• A highly motivated person who enjoys working in a supportive and collaborative environment
• Tertiary degree in town planning, urban policy, urban design or similar
• Significant experience in a strategic land and development planning capacity in a local or state agency or in urban development

For more information, please see the attached Position Description: G3 Role Mandate - Principal Land Use Planner.pdf

Why Join Us

At Melbourne Water, we care about water and all life that springs from it.

Our people are fuelled by passion, and with safety at the forefront, we have an unwavering sense of purpose, and are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We walk the talk when it comes to flexible working – but that’s not all. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning permeates everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and care deeply for public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive an application and learn if you could be a great fit.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Tuesday 11th March at 11:55pm AEST