Principal Landscape Architect

Band 7 - $112,119 - $125,458 per annum (plus super)
Permanent Full Time
About Us
Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.

Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.

We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.

Are you ready to be a part of an exciting and transformative journey in the heart of one of Australia's most culturally diverse and thriving communities? Greater Dandenong City Council is an innovative and forward-thinking organisation, home to Melbourne's second-largest urban centre and a pivotal hub for manufacturing, retail and commerce in the State, Greater Dandenong boasts exceptional character and a vibrant, multicultural population that contributes to a rich cultural tapestry.

About The Role
We are seeking a creative and experienced Principal Landscape Architect to join our Open Space Planning team. This hands-on design role will see you lead the development of high-quality landscape and urban design outcomes across a range of open space masterplans, concept designs, strategies and policies. You will play a key role in shaping the public realm while mentoring junior team members and fostering a collaborative, design-led studio environment within local government.

The Main Responsibilities Of This Position Include

• To provide expertise and advocate for high quality public open space design and policy across the City of Greater Dandenong.
• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of high-quality, safe, and inclusive public open spaces, park, playgrounds and recreation design projects and activity centre streetscapes through the preparation of masterplans, strategic reports, and design policies that leads to sound, innovative, sustainable, and vibrant outcomes.
• Engage with the community and stakeholders, facilitating consultation processes and preparing reports, funding submissions, and policy recommendations to support innovative and responsive urban and open space design outcomes.
• Plan and develop capital works bids and project budgets
• Provide guidance, mentoring, supervision and direction to the internal Landscape Architect team.
• Assist project managers when requested in the contract administration of on-site delivery of open space projects.
• Ensure that works are carried out in accordance with approved plans and specifications, including environmental, occupational health and safety and risk management requirements.
• To provide professional, well considered, and consistent landscape and urban design advice and commentary on statutory and strategic planning application matters under consideration by the Council.

About You
You will be a tertiary-qualified Landscape Architect (or related discipline). To be successful in this role you will have well-developed design and communication skills and demonstrated experience in the planning, design and delivery of open space projects and strategic open space related initiatives. Experience in computer-based design software, including Autodesk AEC or equivalent and the Adobe Creative Suite is essential. Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must, as is the ability to engage with the community, collaborate within a supportive team environment, and the ability to work independently with confidence and initiative.

Please ensure you address the key selection criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application.

The successful candidate will be asked to produce a valid Working with Children Check and will be asked toconsent to a national police check (and where relevant an 'international criminal history check'), subject to the operation of spent conviction laws. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.

Benefits Of Working With Us
Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.

Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.

Our benefits include

• Competitive salary
• Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
• Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
• Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
• Reward & recognition programs
• Health initiatives
• Access to our support and wellbeing programs
• A vibrant social club

For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us

Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
To apply
To apply for this position please complete the online application form including:

• A brief cover letter
• Your resume
• Response to key selection criteria

You will be required to answer selection questions as part of the application process. The selection process also includes the requirement for reference checks

Position Description:
Principal Landscape Architect – 449.2 KB

Applications close:
5pm, Friday, 12 September 2025

Further information:
Aidin Blockley,