Senior Environmental Planning Officer

Overview

Senior Environmental Planning Officer role within Hume City Council to protect the environment through planning policy and processes. You will balance environmental outcomes with development needs, focusing on stormwater management, vegetation management, soil management and biodiversity. The position offers the opportunity to work between desk-based work and outdoor site visits in Hume's growth corridors.

Salary is $97,099.24-$104,941.87 plus superannuation. This is a permanent full-time opportunity with the City Planning and Places team.

What you'll be doing

• Monitor new and existing developments to ensure compliance with the Hume Planning Scheme and planning permits related to environmental planning.
• Proactively monitor sites with issued planning permits to ensure ongoing compliance with environment-related conditions.
• Carry out both pre-commencement and final inspections to ensure compliance with environment-related permit conditions, Construction Site Environmental Management Plans (CSEMPs), and endorsed plans.
• Provide subject matter expert advice regarding complaints of non-compliance with the Planning Scheme or environment-related permit conditions.
• Provide advice to the Statutory Planning, Strategic Planning, and other departments as required regarding environmental planning issues.
• Provide specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders on Victoria's planning framework as it relates to stormwater management, vegetation, and biodiversity.
• Liaise with other Council Departments to achieve integrated environmental outcomes.
• Respond to information requests in a timely and concise manner, meeting statutory time limits.
• Contribute subject matter expertise to submissions to the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and the Magistrates Court and attend as a witness if required for environmental planning matters.
• Draft condition responses to the Planning Investigations team to assist in non-compliance with the Hume Planning Scheme and other relevant environmental and heritage legislation.
• Maintain an efficient internal records system relating to enforcement matters and record details of enforcement proceedings within the Council's electronic filing systems.

The skills and experience you'll bring

• A clear and balanced understanding of broader organisational long-term goals and legislative context, including Hume's development obligations.
• Operational knowledge of statutory planning compliance with the ability to provide advice without direct supervision.
• Specialist knowledge in land management, ecological restoration, and Construction Site Environmental Management Plans (CSEMPs) with understanding of statutory requirements.
• Understanding of roles and interactions between Council departments and government authorities; ability to navigate inter-agency processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, geospatial mapping software (NatureKit, VicPlan), and DEECA's Native Vegetation Regulation Map (NVR), plus data management software.
• Strong time management, ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Willing to take the lead when appropriate, showing initiative and accountability in driving tasks and supporting team objectives.

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Environmental Science, Urban Planning, Natural Resource Management, or related discipline with relevant experience; or substantial experience in complex organisations delivering environmental planning advice.
• Knowledge of current environmental issues in Victoria, particularly vegetation, river and wetland health, geomorphology, and soil management.
• Experience with Water Sensitive Urban Design, Integrated Water Management, and/or industrial stormwater management.
• Experience in compliance with a solid understanding of environmental legislation.
• Conflict de-escalation and interpersonal skills training is desirable.
• Understanding of growth corridor challenges and environmental planning compliance relevant to the Hume municipality.
• Current driver's licence.

In this position, you will report to the Team Leader of Environmental Planning within the Environmental Planning and Compliance Unit.

For inquiries, contact: Dominic Bowd, dominicb@hume.vic.gov.au, 0499-944-353.

Why Hume City Council?

A leader in local government committed to an inclusive, collaborative work environment guided by our values: We're better, every day; We're in it together; We show up; All for Hume. We offer a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment. We are an equal opportunity employer and a child-safe organisation. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

All candidates may be required to undertake background and probity checks including reference checks, Working with Children Check, and a Criminal Record Check.

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