Planning Investigations Officer

Job TypeFull Time

**Permanent Full Time**
**$** **89,929** **- $** **96,823** **(plus 10.5% super and annual pay increases)**
**Flexible working arrangements available including WFH**

**Who we are**

Surf Coast Shire Council exists to support our growing community and environment to thrive, a region full of spectacular coastline, scenic rainforests, rural hinterland and magnificent beaches, not to mention the Great Ocean Road. It is one of the tourist draw cards of Australia and among the fastest growing regional municipalities in Victoria.

Our employees enjoy a supportive and connected culture, flexible work-life balance offering hybrid flexible working options, career development and opportunities, free staff onsite parking and much more.

**Your New Career**

We are currently looking for a Planning Investigation Officer to join our Planning Compliance team at Surf Coast Shire. Within this role you will work proactively to minimise breaches to Council’s Planning Scheme. You will be responsible for investigating alleged breaches of Planning Legislation including the development and use of land as well as vegetation and environmental damage. You will work across a range of complex planning investigations, to ensure compliance with Planning Legislation to achieve sustainable outcomes for the community.

**About you**

We are searching for a detail-focused and driven Planning Investigation Officer. You will have experience researching, analysing and interpreting legislation, be a good communicator with exceptional resolution skills as well as strong administrative and computer skills to produce reports. You will have previous experience in undertaking investigations in a local government setting or town planning skills, as well as relevant qualifications to resolve planning investigation issues. You will enjoy working in a dynamic workplace where you will have the opportunity to work autonomously and develop your career.

To be successful in this role you will meet the following requirements:
**Mandatory Requirements (Skills & Experience)**
- A tertiary level qualification in town planning or similar discipline or substantial experience in a similar role.
- Some experience in government investigation teams, statutory planning or similar planning investigations role.
- Proven ability to research, analyse and interpret legislation.
- Sound knowledge of Local Government and its operations particularly in relation to town planning.
- Established computer skills with ability to produce reports.

**Desirable Qualifications and Experience**:

- Established problem solving skills.
- The ability to work as part of a team environment and to support and assist other team members.
- Well-developed organisation and time management skills.
- Experience in Local Government.
- Prior experience in planning investigations or similar town planning role.
- A qualification in investigation procedures.

**Working for us**

Our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community and it’s why our Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying. We value the uniqueness of individuals and provide an environment in which all employees are able to contribute to our success.

**What you’ll love**
- Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options
- Career development & learning opportunities
- Purchase of additional annual leave
- Free onsite parking
- Leave Loading
- Employee Assistance Program

The successful applicant will also need to meet the below criteria:

- Have a right to work in Australia
- Current Victorian driver’s licence.
- A current WWCC.
- Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

Applications close 5pm on Sunday 23rd October. If you would like to discuss this role, please contact Andrew Hewitt on 5261 0600.

**_ Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer and completes police checks for all employees._