Strategic Planner

Why join the Planning and Development team at East Gippsland Shire Council?

The East Gippsland Shire Council Planning and Development team is a multi-skilled unit, with Statutory and Strategic planners, building and planning inspectors, technical experts and an excellent support team of administration officers. The team maintains a strong capacity and commitment to serving our community. We pride ourselves on our teamwork, resilience and collaborative approach both in the team and with our stakeholders.

We Are East Gippsland Shire

East Gippsland covers 10% of the state with over 21,000 square km of land including high country, national parks, marine parks, inland lake systems and stunning coastlines. EGSC offers challenging and rewarding skills development and the ability to work with a range of interesting strategic planning projects.

A unique blend of nature, culture, and recreational opportunities, East Gippsland Shire is a captivating destination for those looking to broaden their skills whilst enjoying an enviable lifestyle.

Position Overview

As a Strategic Planner, you will play a key role in shaping the future of land use within East Gippsland. This position leads and coordinates strategic planning projects, ensuring alignment with Council's priorities and compliance with relevant legislation.

In this role you will:

• Develop and manage strategic land use planning projects, including the preparation and processing of Planning Scheme Amendments.
• Provide specialist advice on strategic planning and policy matters to internal teams, Council, and external stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, briefing papers, and submissions for Council and external panels, contributing to informed decision-making.
• Engage with the community and stakeholders, facilitating consultation processes and collaborative planning outcomes.

This is a full-time position based at Council's Business Centre in Bairnsdale and operates under our hybrid working model. An initial period of full-time office-based work will be required to support onboarding and training, with hybrid working arrangements available once the successful candidate has developed sufficient knowledge and capability in the role. While hybrid work flexibility is available, this role cannot be completed living outside of the region - an ongoing expectation of working from the office at least three days per week applies.

Why you'll love EGSC:

• Flexible working arrangements including 60/40 hybrid office/WFH options, monthly ADOs and additional purchased leave options
• Work on a banded salary that increases annually to the top end of the band
• Support to grow your career through professional development opportunities and study assistance
• Discounted membership to our Recreation Centres
• 17 weeks paid parental leave
• Annual leave loading paid as a lump sum each year in December
• Employee Assistance Program and Social Club
• A stunning region to live, work and play in - beaches, lakes and mountains right at your fingertips!
• Diversity in range of interesting projects – natural environment, built environment, small towns, coastal development, rural land & agricultural matters.

What we require from you (Key Selection Criteria)

• Formal qualifications and minimum 2 years demonstrated relevant experience.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of current strategic planning issues, particularly as that relates to the Local Government environment.
• Specialist knowledge in strategic planning processes and in particular in the preparation and processing of Planning Scheme Amendments (knowledge of ATS system will be advantageous).
• Demonstrated analytical, research and report writing skills in relation to land use planning.
• Demonstrated experience in community and engagement activities for strategic planning matters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.

If successful, you will need to undertake a police check and provide evidence of your relevant qualifications. You must also be legally entitled to work in Australia.

How To Apply

If this sounds like your next career and lifestyle move, apply now and attach:

1.Your resume

2.A cover letter

3. A statement providing responses to each of the key selection criteria

Applications close at 11.45pm on 30 August 2026

Questions? For a confidential discussion, please contact Karl Tracksdorf, Strategic Planning Projects Coordinator, on (03) 5153 9500.

East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports flexible and accessible working arrangements for all. This includes people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, gender diverse people, religiously, culturally and linguistically diverse people and people of any age.

East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to upholding the Child Safe Standards and has a zero tolerance for child abuse and harm. To uphold these standards a valid working with children check is required to be held for applicable positions.