Do you want to be part of a collaborative and close-knit team in a vibrant rural setting? An exciting and rewarding career opportunity awaits an energetic person to fill this leading role within the Development and Regulatory Services team.

POSITION OBJECTIVES

Take a leading role in all planning responsibilities for the Shire (Strategic and Statutory Planning) in a customer focused and timely manner.

Provide stakeholders with specific advice on matters relating to planning applications.

Ensure that all development complies with relevant Acts, Codes, Local Laws, Regulations and other statutory documents.

Initiate and implement strategies to improve the development assessment processes within the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes.

Liaise with all departments/sections on planning related matters affecting the Shire of Bridgetown Greenbushes.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to analyse data, interpret policy and make sound recommendations

Well-developed interpersonal skills, enabling the ability to facilitate and negotiate win-win outcomes in environments that can be emotionally charged.

Ability to work as part of a team and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff and stakeholders

High level of computer literacy and proficiency.

Knowledge

Thorough working knowledge of the Local Government Act 1995 and Planning and Development Act 2006 and associated regulations, policies and guidelines related to Planning control in a local government context.

Demonstrable experience in resolving complex development scenarios.

Demonstrated commitment, through applying best practice principles and undertaking personal professional development, to achieve continuous improvement outcomes in an organisation.

At least five (5) years’ experience in a similar position within local government.

KEY DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

General

Investigate, attend to and report on sensitive, difficult and complex issues and manage customer requests and complaints to resolutions that meet customer/community needs

Establish and maintain mechanisms for community engagement

Prepare agenda reports for and attend where necessary, council meetings, committee meetings, working groups, forums and Executive Leadership Team meetings, and follow up and close-out of outstanding issues.

Attend to customer planning enquires (telephone, front counter etc) and provide advice to the public and developers on development matters

Represent the Shire at the State Administrative Tribunal as required

Financial

Prepare, review and monitor annual operational budgets relating to planning control

Develop, implement and review appropriate fee structures for planning control through the annual fees and charges process

Strategy and Policy

Develop long term plans, policies and strategies that are legislatively compliant, meet community needs, reflect best practice industry standards and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery

Assist in the development of the Local Planning Scheme No 6 (currently under review

Assist in the development of the Local Planning Strategy

Review the local heritage survey in accordance with the relevant legislation

Review Local Planning Policies and local laws pertaining to planning control

Advise the Council, the CEO and/or Director Development and Regulatory Services on planning matters.

Operations

Ensure quality and timely planning advice is provided to the public, projecting a positive attitude that facilitates the responsible growth and development of the Shire

Engage with and educate the public and stakeholders on regulatory policy, guidelines and Shire policy and process

Monitor and respond to planning compliance matters

Undertake other planning related duties as directed

Monitor and enforce compliance against relevant regulation relating to planning services

Seek legal advice and represent the Shire in court if required

Any other activities as instructed by the Director Development and Regulatory Services

For more information, please visit our website.