Policy Officer

Company description:

About us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.

Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria's transport, planning and land services for use by all.

We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.

Planning and Land Services manages the state's planning, land use and property systems, as well as assessment of environment, heritage and development matters. The State Planning Division develops planning policy, administers statutory planning processes and implements environmental planning reform. The Natural Hazards Policy team works to improve the efficiency, quality and timeliness of planning decision-making in relation to natural hazard risks, delivering key policy reforms to support Victoria's resilience.

Job description:

About the role

This is a fixed-term position until 30 June 2026.

As a Policy Officer, you will support the delivery of significant planning reforms focused on natural hazards. You'll conduct research, provide evidence-based policy advice, draft policies and reports, and collaborate with colleagues, local government and other stakeholders to implement initiatives that improve the State Planning system. Your work will contribute to more efficient, safe, and sustainable planning outcomes across Victoria.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

What you'll bring

We're looking for an analytical, collaborative policy officer with experience in planning, environmental impact assessment or policy development. You'll bring strong research, critical thinking and communication skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality advice and outputs. You thrive in a collaborative environment, are flexible in approach, and are motivated to contribute to meaningful reform and positive change.

In this role, you'll support the delivery of natural hazards planning policy by analysing data, drafting reports and policies, and engaging with internal and external stakeholders. You'll bring your planning knowledge, research skills and an understanding of the Victorian planning system to influence decisions and support the Government's planning reform agenda.

Qualifications and experience

• Mandatory: Relevant qualification in planning, environmental impact assessment, or a related field.
• Desirable: Knowledge of the Victorian planning system and legislative reform; strong conceptual and analytical skills; proven ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Culture Value

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department's goals.

What we offer

Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.

For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.

How to apply

Click the 'Apply' button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 21 October 2025

Please include both your resume and a cover letter.

All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we're unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For more information, please contact Georgina Cann, Principal Policy Adviser via email at

Important Information:

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.