Project Officer - Open Space Planning: Communication & Support Specialist

Randstad has partnered with Melton City Council on a retained basis to source an engaging and versatile Project Support Officer to join their dedicated and growing Open Space Planning team. If you have a passion for creating beautiful public spaces and a talent for both communication and business support, this is your opportunity to play a vital role in the planning and delivery of Melton's parks and open spaces.

This is a two-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of becoming permanent.

The Opportunity

Melton City Council's Open Space Planning team has grown into a specialised unit focused on landscape design and urban design. This pivotal role has evolved to bridge the gap between technical planning and community engagement. You'll be the linchpin, combining your graphic design flair, excellent communication skills, and robust business support capabilities to ensure projects run smoothly and the community stays informed and engaged.

This is a dynamic role where your learning curve will be steep, but you'll be supported by a healthy and collaborative team environment. We are open to diverse backgrounds, what matters most is a personable, proactive attitude and a willingness to jump in and learn.

Responsibilities

Your role is a critical mix of project support and external communication:

• Take charge of producing high-quality public-facing materials, including brochures, surveys, signage, and digital content. This involves updating over 250 website pages for local parks and utilising the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) to design engaging graphic content.
• Plan, organise, and run various community engagement activities, from developing and launching online surveys (e.g., using Social Pinpoint) to coordinating and managing high-profile in-person events and trials (e.g., consultations on new dog parks).
• Deliver essential project support, including managing basic finance activities (purchase orders, budget tracking), assisting with procurement, and liaising directly with vendors and consultants.
• Draft professional and accurate written content, including Councillor draft responses, e-news articles, and other information to ensure timely and relevant updates are provided to internal and external stakeholders.
• Take a lead role in documenting and improving major administrative processes and workflows within the Open Space Planning team, focusing on efficiency and consistency.
• Action and monitor incoming customer/council requests, track planning referral responses, and provide general administrative support to the planning team.
• Where required, assist with analysing and editing geospatial data to create and export digital maps for project planning and reporting purposes (GIS skills are a plus).

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a highly engaging individual with a great personality who is keen to contribute to a positive team culture. Ideally, you will have a background that touches on at least two of the following areas: Communication, Urban Planning, or Business Support. Local government experience is a bonus, but not essential.

Must-Have Technical & Soft Skills:

• Graphic Design Skills: Demonstrated proficiency with the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating communication materials.
• Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills for drafting professional documents, liaising with stakeholders, and running community activities.
• Organisational Skills: Proven ability to schedule, organise, and run community engagement events and manage competing demands.

Why Join Melton City Council?

The team values an individual who is personable, engaging, and genuinely wants to be there. They maintain a good, healthy team environment where a positive attitude and collaborative spirit are highly prized. They are focused on finding the right fit; someone who can jump in, learn quickly, and contribute positively to their collaborative work on vital public space projects.

• Band 5 Position - $81,006 to $93,280 + super
• 2-year fixed-term contract
• Potential for permanency / extension
• Full-time, 38 hours per week
• Hybrid working arrangement of 3 days in the office and 2 days from home
• Flexible hours supported to ensure a great work-life balance

Partner with Randstad today to secure this exciting opportunity with Melton City Council. Apply now to take the next step in your professional journey!

At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.