Planning and Environment Lawyer

Who We Are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne's water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra, we're there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world's cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what's right, you're in the right place.

About The Role

This full-time role, available until November 2026, with possibility of extension, sits within the Legal team and reports to the Managing Lawyer, Planning & Environment. As the Planning and Environment Lawyer, you'll play a key role in providing legal guidance on planning and environmental matters, helping the organisation navigate complex issues with clarity and confidence.

In this role you will:

• Assist the business with advice in response to statutory referrals for planning permit applications, and a variety of planning and environment issues that the organisation may be involved in or be affected by in the course of carrying out its functions.
• Attendance at VCAT and possibly court from time to time as instructing lawyer for Melbourne Water (assisting external legal advisors and counsel, if required)
• Work with management and all staff to identify, limit, advise on and manage legal risks associated with legacy, current and future business activities to deal with difficult or abstract technical issues and changing priorities and/or different situations requiring solution by use of judgement.
• Draft and review the legal documentation, including management of legal precedents, as directed, to perform complex professional/technical work under general supervision.
• Effectively manage and coordinate external legal and other professional advisors, as required.

About You

• You will hold a valid Legal Practicing Certificate (Victoria) and a recognised tertiary qualification in Law.
• Knowledge and experience in law, including but not limited to planning & environment law (primarily), administrative law, civil procedure, commercial law, property law, water law and litigation.
• Strong technical legal influencing, negotiation and drafting skills.
• Strong legal case management and problem solving skills.
• Active involvement in VCAT cases is essential to the role.
• Confidence and clear communication.

At Melbourne Water this role is internally known as Corporate Lawyer. We have advertised this role as Planning and Environment Lawyer to closely align interests to similar positions held in the market.

For more information, please review the attached position description:Corporate

Why Join Us

At Melbourne Water, we care about water and all life that springs from it.

Our people are fuelled by passion, and with safety at the forefront, we have an unwavering sense of purpose, and are on a mission to protect every Melburnian's way of life, one drop at a time.

We walk the talk when it comes to flexible working - but that's not all. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning permeates everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you're curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and care deeply for public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive an application and learn if you could be a great fit.

How To Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Monday 6th October at 11:55pm AEST