Strategic Planner

About East Gippsland Shire Council Planning and Development Team

The Planning and Development team at East Gippsland Shire Council is a diverse group comprising Statutory and Strategic Planners, building and planning inspectors, technical specialists, and a supportive administration unit. Our team is dedicated to serving the community with resilience, teamwork, and a cooperative spirit among colleagues and stakeholders.

About East Gippsland Shire

Covering 10% of Victoria, East Gippsland spans over 21,000 square kilometers, including high country, national and marine parks, inland lakes, and stunning coastlines. The region offers stimulating strategic planning projects and a distinctive lifestyle blending nature, culture, and recreational activities.

Role Overview

The Strategic Planner plays a pivotal role in directing land use planning in East Gippsland through leading and managing strategic planning projects aligned with Council priorities and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conception and execution of strategic land use planning initiatives, including developing and processing Planning Scheme Amendments.
• Offer expert advice on strategic planning and policy to internal teams, Council, and external parties.
• Prepare briefing reports, papers, and submissions for Council and external panels to aid informed decision-making.
• Coordinate community and stakeholder engagement processes to promote collaborative planning outcomes.

Working Arrangements

This full-time role is based at the Council Business Centre in Bairnsdale, Victoria, operating under a hybrid work model. Initially, the candidate is required to work full-time onsite for orientation and training, transitioning to hybrid work thereafter. The position requires presence in the office at least three days per week and residing within the region.

Benefits of Working at EGSC

• Flexible working arrangements: 60/40 hybrid office/home work schedule, monthly additional days off, and purchased leave options.
• Salary progression through banding with annual increases to the band's upper limit.
• Opportunities for career growth through professional development and study support.
• Discounted access to Council recreation facilities.
• Generous parental leave of 17 weeks paid.
• Annual leave loading paid yearly as a lump sum in December.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and active social club.
• Enjoy living and working in a stunning natural environment with diverse projects involving natural and built environments, small towns, coastal and rural/agricultural issues.

Qualifications and Key Selection Criteria

• Relevant formal qualifications backed by at least two years of applicable experience.
• Strong understanding of contemporary strategic planning challenges, particularly within a Local Government context.
• Expertise in strategic planning procedures and in preparing and processing Planning Scheme Amendments; familiarity with ATS system is a plus.
• Proven analytical, research, and planning report writing capabilities.
• Experience conducting community engagement activities related to strategic planning.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated competence in managing projects effectively.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidates must undergo a police check and verify relevant qualifications. Legal authorization to work in Australia is mandatory. Positions applicable will require a valid Working with Children Check. The Council embraces diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals including people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, culturally diverse communities, and people across all ages.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and a detailed response to each key selection criterion. Applications close at 11:45 pm on 30 August 2026.