Team Leader Open Space Planning
$127,218- $142,561 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
What we are looking for:
We are seeking an exceptional and motivating leader to head up the Open Space Planning team. You will have a good knowledge of all urban design and open space related issues and have strong communication and engagement skills with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with the team and the wider organisation on a diverse portfolio of open space focused master plans, urban and open space designs, capital works planning, strategies, policies and projects.
Your primary functions in this position include:
- Lead and manage the day to day and long term planning functions of the Open Space Planning team.
- Provide leadership in mentoring and developing staff within the Open Space Planning team so that staff are motivated, well advised and empowered to deliver identified outcomes and team targets.
- Deliver excellent open space planning and urban design outcomes through the provision of professional, well considered, and consistent advice and decision making in a timely manner, in line with established time requirements.
- Develop and implement open space policy that addresses landscape design and urban design issues in the built and natural environments.
- Prepare project briefs, concept designs, design documentation, specifications, budgets and tender/ quotation documents.
- Work collaboratively with Council’s Project Management teams, and other departments, to ensure high quality open space projects are delivered on time and budget.
- Develop, submit and advocate for open space planning projects through Council’s annual CIP process to ensure high quality outcomes across the municipality.
- Identify and pursue funding opportunities to improve open space areas, and other public spaces.
- Ensure planning referrals, and other internal and external referrals, are responded to in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Provide guidance, support and assistance to staff, residents, businesses and other stakeholders regarding open space planning matters.
About you
To be successful in this role you will have demonstrated leadership and management skills, and high-level project management experience in the planning, design and delivery of urban design and open space projects and strategic open space related matters. Experience in computer-based design techniques, including AutoCAD AEC or similar and Adobe Design
Suite is essential. Strong verbal and written communication skills are a must, as is the ability to engage with the community, collaborate within a close-knit team and work independently.
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
Applicants must adequately meet the requirements of the role and fully address the selection criteria contained in the position description.
To view a copy of the position description, please click the link below:
Team Leader Open Space Planning Position Description - 160KB
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 present a current Victorian Drivers Licence, 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: Jane Brodie, 8571 1433
Applications close: 5pm, Friday 25th April 2025
