About the role
As the VCAT Advocate and Advisory Lead, you’ll guide a high-performing team through complex planning matters, represent Council at hearings, and shape outcomes that align with the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme and community expectations.

You’ll oversee the coordination of Council’s VCAT caseload, manage external consultants and solicitors, and support planners through training and mentoring to build advocacy capability across the team. This is your opportunity to influence decisions that shape our region while driving excellence in statutory planning services and delivering positive outcomes for the community.

• This is a full-time permanent position (76 hours per week).

• This is a Band 7 role with a salary range between $107,314 and $115,776 per annum, plus superannuation.

• Support work-life balance with a monthly rostered day off and hybrid working arrangements.

Experience and skills we’re looking for
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Extensive knowledge of statutory planning legislation, including the Planning & Environment Act 1987 and the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 1998.

• Proven experience preparing and presenting cases at VCAT, including advocacy, mediation, and representation of Council’s position.

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to guide and develop staff in VCAT procedures and technical planning matters.

• Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution skills, with experience working with applicants, objectors, consultants, and stakeholders.

• Ability to coordinate complex VCAT caseloads, manage internal and external resources, and maintain accurate records and reporting.

• High-level analytical skills, including the ability to assess complex planning data and provide strategic recommendations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly convey technical planning advice and decisions to diverse audiences.

• Experience developing and implementing training programs, process improvements and performance reporting in a planning or regulatory context.

If you have some but not all these skills or experience, we still encourage you to apply. Especially if you have the right attitude!

How to apply
Please ensure you submit your application via our jobs portal by clicking ‘Apply’. Include a resume and cover letter with your application. In your cover letter, tell us about your experience, skills, and why you would like to work with us here at Yarra Ranges Council.

Applications close 11.59pm, Sunday 29 June 2025.
Contact person: Marcella Simone, Executive Officer Planning Services, 03 9294 6178.
If you need support with your application or have accessibility needs, please call the contact person above or email us at [email protected].

Applicants who progress past the interview stage must complete pre-employment checks. These checks will include a Police Check.

About Yarra Ranges Council
Yarra Ranges Council committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome. We encourage people of all genders, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities to apply for jobs with us. We support flexible work arrangements, including full-time, part-time, hybrid, and job-sharing options to meet your needs and suit your life.

Yarra Ranges Council is a child safe organisation and is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our community. We are committed to protecting children from abuse in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards.