Located 35 km 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
As a seasoned and professional Major Project and Policy Officer, you will deliver first-class planning outcomes on complex matters through the provision of well-considered and consistent Statutory Planning services including decision making, processing, advocacy, and general advice. You will also provide advice on strategic planning matters and policy reform.
You will deal with applicants (primarily developers and architects) from pre-application to potentially VCAT. They will regard you as a go-to person within council who is technically competent, responsive, and decisive; but also someone who will not shy away from having robust professional conversations on the merits of an application with them that will give them clear certainty on the direction of their proposal.
Within the team, junior members will see you as someone who adheres to best practice and is seen as an approachable source of knowledge that they can learn from and bounce ideas off when required. Internal stakeholders will see you as an approachable and collaborative partner who, whilst having potentially competing objectives, will at least consider their opinion. Management will see you as a future team leader and an integral part of the team, looking to you to work with them to identify and recommend improvements to existing processes and procedures.
Working on major projects and strategic policy reviews, within a busy urban environment, this role will expose candidates to major projects and developers whilst also helping them develop their leadership skills through mentoring and process improvement.
Benefits of Working with Us
The 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 that encourages innovation and supports your work-life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop, and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.
Our benefits include:
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
For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us
The 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. The Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
The Council is committed 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 your resume and a cover letter.
To view a copy of this position description, please click on the links below.
You may be required to undertake practical testing, work preference profiling / psychometric testing, functional capacity assessment (physical), or aptitude testing. The successful candidate will be asked to produce a clear Working with Children Check and will be asked to consent 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.
Further information: Will Stewart, 8571 1526
Greater Dandenong City Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of this land, the Bunurong People, and pays respect to their Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their continuing connections to climate, Culture, Country and waters.
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