The Role

Reporting to the Sustainable Subdivisions lead contact at the following Councils:

• City of Ballarat (host);

• City of Greater Bendigo;

• City of Greater Geelong;

• Mitchell Shire Council; and

• Surf Coast Shre Council

The Sustainable Subdivisions Advisor (SSA) will lead the further integration of the sustainable subdivisions frameworks of participating Councils, striving to embed these frameworks as common practice. The SSA will assess qualifying residential subdivision planning permit applications against local frameworks as well as lead on knowledge and capacity building within each Council and local development communities.

Though based at the City of Ballarat, the SSA will divide their time between participating Councils and act as the local subject matter expert in each area.

About You

Participating Councils are seeking a highly motivated individual with several years’ experience in either statutory planning, subdivisions or ESD roles. Ideally, you would have experience in either local or state government settings. Those with relevant private sector experience are however also encouraged to apply. You will have an excellent knowledge of planning principles and the workings of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, the Subdivisions Act 1988 and the Victoria Planning Provisions.

You will ideally have rural/regional experience and an understanding of the suite of planning controls typical of such environments. You should also bring a positive attitude and have a desire to coach and mentor more inexperienced officers and local development communities. Whilst previous experience in a similar level position is desired, this is not essential. Candidates will be judged as much upon fit and attitude as their technical capabilities.

Key Selection Criteria

Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with:

• Planning and Environment Act 1987;
• Subdivision Act 1988;
• Victoria Planning Provisions.

Demonstrated experience working in:

• Planning environments, preferably in state or local government. Candidates with relevant private sector experience will also be considered alongside those with public sector experience;

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of:

• Statutory planning and subdivision processes;
• The principles underpinning the Sustainable Subdivisions Framework (SSF) and, in turn, the local assessment frameworks of participating Councils

General understanding of:

• The role of Engineers and Arboricultural Officers in the context of sustainable subdivisions;

General skills:

• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, including:
• Ability to clearly communicate the value proposition of sustainable subdivisions to Council Officers and development industry stakeholders;
• A strategic approach to engaging key stakeholders early in the planning process to ensure alignment with expectations and opportunities;
• Capacity to develop partnerships with key stakeholders to help translate innovation in ESD into real-world outcomes.
• Advanced time management skills and demonstrated ability to set own priorities noting this position operates across five local government areas.

To Apply

This position closes Tuesday 19th August 2025. Please ensure that you provide a cover letter, current resume, address the key selection criteria as well as complete an application cover sheet.

We appreciate that this position description asks a lot of candidates. This role is specialised and will require energy and commitment. If you are unsure if you sufficiently fit the Key Selection Criteria, please do not hesitate to call Connor Perrott, Manager - Statutory Planning, City of Ballarat (0419 108 257).

As with all positions, flexibility will be applied in order to secure the right candidate for this challenging role. We place as weight on ‘fit’ as we do on technical skills.

Contact

For any additional queries, please contact Connor Perrott, Manager Statutory Planning on 0419 108 257.

At the City of Ballarat, we celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive, flexible workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. If you need any support during the recruitment process, reach out to us at [email protected]

We’re proud to be a child-safe organisation, committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Our culture promotes their safety and wellbeing, and we require all successful candidates to undergo relevant screening, including a Working with Children Check and criminal history check.