Strategic Planner

• Full time (6 months) RDO and flexible work arrangements available

• Band 6 Salary - $99,917 - $108,627 plus super

• Convenient Central Preston location adjacent Preston Market and Preston train station

We're building Darebin's future - and we're looking for great people to join us. As a strategic planner, you will be working on projects that plan for a more sustainable and liveable future for our community, with an exciting variety and breadth of strategic projects from housing, affordable housing, open space, heritage, development contributions, planning scheme review and planning scheme amendments and major development referrals.

About the role:

Lead and contribute to a range of strategic projects and amendments to update the planning scheme. Current strategic projects include the planning scheme review, heritage program, open space strategy, housing strategy implementation, affordable housing strategy, amendment guidelines and more.

You will:

• Lead planning scheme amendments to address key gaps and to position Darebin to effectively respond to contemporary planning issues and improve land use and built form outcomes.

• Undertake urban planning research, formulate urban planning policies, planning controls and strategic plans that balances community needs, environmental and economic considerations.

• Develop clear and succinct council reports to enable Councillors to make informed decisions, along with consulting other organisations and agencies.

• Promote and develop an understanding of social, economic, urban and environmental issues within Council and the wider community.

About you:

These are the skills, experience and values we are looking for:

• Recognised tertiary qualification in Urban Planning (or related discipline).

• Experience in strategic planning or statutory planning with demonstrated interest in strategic planning.

• Sound working knowledge of the Victorian planning policy framework and processes.

• Ability to formulate urban planning policies and strategies, under guidance and with community and stakeholder engagement

• Ability to prepare planning scheme amendments and supporting documentation, including preparation of council reports and engagement materials.

Why Darebin?

Darebin City Council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.

We offer:

• A supportive team environment

• Opportunities for professional development and career growth

• A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity

• The chance to make a real difference

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your application including a Cover Letter and Resume. If you wish to address the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description, you may do so in your cover letter.

Applications close on Monday 7 September 2026

Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period so if you’re interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.

For a confidential discussion about the role and the opportunity, contact Stevie Meyer, Coordinator Strategic Planning on ************@darebin.vic.gov.au or 03 8470 8***.

Should you need reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs, please get in contact with us and advise how we can best support you.

Pre-employment Checks

Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.

To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards. All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.