Principal Open Space Planner

• Permanent Full Time Opportunity 
• $107,811.66-$119,457.63 per annum plus Superannuation
• Join the City Planning & Places team

Hume City Council is one of Australia's fastest growing and culturally diverse councils. We put the customer and our community at the centre of all that we do, ensuring our services are efficient and accessible.

We are seeking a visionary and experienced Principal Open Space Planner to join Hume's Open Space Planning team. In this pivotal role, you will lead the development and implementation of strategic open space plans that enhance our community's quality of life now and in the future.

What you'll be doing:

• Lead the preparation of planning documents for Hume's open space, including the development and renewal of master plans, landscape improvement plans and feasibility studies.
• Lead the development and management of a long-term, multi-year program for master plan development and implementation projects.
• Identify and establish project budgets and seek funding through capital budget bids, grant funding opportunities or partnerships and prepare project briefs and business cases.
• Work closely with the Project Sponsors, following guidance and direction, whilst ensuring opportunities, issues and risks are highlighted in a timely manner.
• Prepare concise, well written and researched briefings and reports and timely advice on relevant issues and opportunities related to open space planning and management.
• Provide specialist advice on the open space needs of the City of Hume and interpretation of legislative and regulatory requirements pertaining to the planning and development of open space networks.
• Lead and/or support the review of existing, and development of new policies, strategies and plans for or relating to the open space network within the City of Hume.
• Provide sound knowledge of contemporary open space and recreation trends and issues.
• Lead the development, coordination, management and review of a master plan and implementation program, to proactively support delivery of projects with open space strategic intent for community and environmental need as well as asset renewal.
• Develop and submit funding bids to support the delivery of Capital Works projects and programs, formulation of the annual budget and monitoring of project budgets using Council's financial management systems to ensure compliance and to reflect the most up to date and accurate status of projects.

The skills and experience you'll bring to the role:

The following knowledge and skills are required:

• Experience in the specialist concepts, skills and techniques in trail and open space planning and policy development, facility planning and community engagement.    
• Proficiency in the application of trail and open space principles and knowledge of industry best practice, including the ability to effectively translate this when responding to local trail and open space issues. 
• Understanding of a wide range of issues, programs and services relating to trail provision in Hume and the wider industry.  
• Knowledge and practical application of the long-term goals of the Open Space Planning Unit. 
• Ability to collate and analyse data to establish evidence-based research positions that support the formulation of a position.   
• Demonstrated ability to utilise information and communication technology including Microsoft Office applications. 
• Demonstrated ability in report writing, preparation of grant submissions, presentations, funding submissions, other written material, and interpretation of drawings/plans related to the key responsibilities.   

Required Certifications & Qualifications 

The following qualifications and experience are required for the position:

• Degree or Diploma in open space/recreation planning, environmental planning, landscape architecture, urban planning or similar with several years' experience or a lesser formal qualification with extensive experience.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of open space planning issues in established and emerging urban environments.
• Demonstrated experience in urban/open space/recreation planning, research and the development, monitoring and review of strategic plans.
• Experience in the preparation and implementation of strategies, plans and programs for established and emerging urban environments.
• Experience in the development and implementation of contemporary community consultation processes and place making skills in an urban environment.
• Knowledge of integrated land use planning and its application to the development of open space and urban environments.
• A current Victorian Driver's Licence is required.

Why Hume City Council?

A leader in local government, we're committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment that is guided by our values:

We're better, every day: We give things a go and value progress over perfection. We have permission to go for it and are expected to reflect and learn.

We're in it together: At Hume, everyone matters. We Welcome and include all. Respect and safety are expected.

We show up: We empower and trust others and own our work. We rise to the challenges and are expected to do what we say we will.

All for Hume: We strive to achieve our best for the Hume Community. We are proud and passionate about working towards better outcomes and expect they are at the centre of everything we do.

We offer a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

A child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. Council encourages people of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

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

Position Description