• Permanent Full Time 
• $83,352 – $94,248 pa (plus 12% super and annual pay increases)
• Flexible working arrangements available including flexitime, WFH and RDOs

Who we are
Surf Coast Shire Council delivers services from Lorne to Winchelsea to Torquay and the communities and townships in-between, spanning the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation

Locals experience a sought-after quality of life –And when you work with Council, you are helping our community and environment to thrive.

We service the community, striving to be innovative, flexible and committed to business excellence. As a workplace Council provides opportunities to do meaningful work that benefits our community and offers the chance to add to a great team culture. 

Our workforce is representative of the towns and communities it serves, and our culture is supportive, respectful, and connected to Council’s purpose of helping our community and environment to thrive. 

We work together, we see opportunity, we do what we say, and we make a difference.
 

Your new career
The Statutory Planning Department is currently seeking a Statutory Planner on a permanent full-time basis to join a dynamic team which shapes use and development across urban, rural and coastal settings of the Surf Coast Shire.  

Our team is responsible for:

• assessing applications for use and development planning permits
• assessing applications for the subdivision of land
• providing advice to the community on town planning matters

We exist to help people understand and adhere to the planning system, so that we balance varied interests and achieve enhanced outcomes, enabling our environment, communities and businesses to thrive and grow.

What you will bring to the role
You are a dedicated planning professional who can deliver professional advice against the requirements of the Surf Coast Planning Scheme, relevant legislation and strategic policy.  With your customer-first mindset, you communicate with clarity and care and are motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact through your work.
 
To thrive in this role you will bring:

• a passion for delivering exceptional customer service
• a collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork
• strong and well-developed negotiation skills
• the drive to contribute to a positive, connected and thriving community

Key selection criteria
Mandatory qualifications, experience and requirements

• Completed or substantially completed degree or post graduate qualification in planning or related field (qualification check conducted), or relevant practical experience in a Planning related role.
• Experience in the Victorian Planning System is preferred. 
• Ability to learn new processes and procedures of a local government planning department.
• Ability to work as an effective team member and contribute to a positive team culture.
• Ability to provide a customer service focus to the work. 
• A current Victorian drivers licence
• A current Working With Children Check
• You have the permanent right to live and work in Australia
• Police Check results that are suitable for this position (will be arranged by Surf Coast Shire Council). 
  A complete international criminal history check is required if the person has worked or lived overseas for any period of time OR a complete national criminal history check is required if the person has only ever worked in Australia.

What you’ll love working with us
Council embraces diversity and social inclusion and encourages applications from skilled people from all walks of life.

We recognise that our employees play a vital role in creating an innovative, safe, respectful and supportive workplace, living our values and delivering exceptional services to our thriving community. Our shire spans the Traditional Lands of the Wadawurrung People and the Gulidjan and Gadabanud Peoples of the Eastern Maar Nation. Council is committed to providing a workplace culture of equity, inclusion and diversity that eliminates all forms of discrimination, harassment and bullying.

There are numerous social activities throughout the year available as well as the benefits of:
•    Flexible working arrangements including working from home and flexi time options, RDO
•    Employee Assistance Program and award-winning staff wellbeing program
•    Career development and learning opportunities, we help our people grow
•    Purchase of additional annual leave
•    Free onsite parking
•    Leave loading.

For more information
More information on the role accountabilities and the key selection criteria can be found in the position description here. 

If you believe you have the knowledge, skills and experience to fulfil this role and would like further information, please contact either Susan Wlodarczyk or Ben Hynes on 5261 0600.

How to apply
Applications are to be in Word or PDF format and should include a:
•    cover letter including your statement addressing the selection criteria 
•    copy of your resume. 

Please note that only applications with a statement addressing the selection criteria will be considered for this position.

Simply complete the application process by clicking the "Apply Now" button and we'll be in touch with you shortly regarding your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 14 December 2025. 

Surf Coast Shire Council is an equal opportunity and child safe employer.