Principal Planner

Permanent, Full time

Band 7A

Salary $ 110, Super + Flexible Working

19 day month with RDO or 9 day fortnight option, your choice

About UsThe City of Whittlesea is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Australia. As a local government organisation, we play a pivotal role in the everyday lives of our community. Our vision is to make Whittlesea 2040: A Place For All by ensuring our residents can enjoy access to local services, facilities and infrastructure.

Our staff are passionate, skilled and diverse, providing a great environment to work in and succeed.

The RoleMake a difference in our community

This is an exciting role that will suit someone who wants to make a difference in our community

This role is a key statutory planning position that provides expert planning advice and assessment of complex and major developments. You will manage a range of exciting planning applications and key developments across our established and growth areas while meeting statutory requirements and community expectations.

You will report and provide support to the Unit Manager Statutory Planning to ensure that services are carried out in an efficient and effective manner.  You will contribute to process/system improvements, and provide responsive and professional advice to internal and external customers, applicants and senior management.

About you

• You have relevant tertiary qualifications combined with demonstrated experience and understanding of planning matters.
• You have an extensive knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and related planning legislation, regulations, standards and case law.
• You can effectively manage and process complex planning permit applications.
• You enjoy a dynamic working environment, are a strong communicator with excellent organisational skills and take pride and ownership of your work.
• You have proven experience in providing expert advice to developers, consultants, internal and external stakeholders and the public on a range of planning, land use and development matters.
• You can advocate and appear before VCAT and other public forums.
• You can build relationships with all stakeholders through timely, decisive and transparent communication to achieve efficient outcomes.
• You can live and uphold City of Whittlesea's values to deliver great outcomes for our community.

If this sounds like you, then you should definitely apply

Want to know more?For more information about this position please access a copy of the position description by visiting our website or If you have any questions regarding this role, please contact Sarah Stedwell, Unit Manager Statutory Planning on

To apply for this position, you must address the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description in your cover letter. Please note, that applications that do not address the Key Selection Criteria may not be considered.

Applications close at 11.45pm on Friday 24 October 2025

Interviews will take place as suitable candidates are identified.

Please note all applicants must apply online, and no late applications will be accepted.

We are happy to take applications from international candidates if you have a valid Visa to work in Australia.

At the City of Whittlesea, we value diversity and appreciate everyone's strengths. We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce that reflects our municipality. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, people with a disability and people identifying as LGBTIQ. The City of Whittlesea is also a Child Safe employer.

Council is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that encourages employees to participate, without discrimination, in both work-related and other activities conducted within a work context, with the support of workplace adjustments. Where possible, the Council will identify and resolve potential barriers to the recruitment and employment of people with disabilities within the organisation.

If you require a workplace adjustment to support you during the interview process, please email with your request outlining your preferred method of contact. Workplace adjustment (also known as "reasonable adjustment") is defined as: "Whatever is considered necessary and achievable to enable an employee to perform their job role efficiently and to the best of their abilities". A Workplace adjustment can be requested at any stage in the recruitment process and/or as a part of the employment of an individual.