Who We Are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra, we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home, just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place.

About The Role

Reporting to Manager - Statutory Referral Permit Services, this is a pivotal role to assess Statutory Permit Applications and make recommendations and decisions as the Principal Case Officer, to set referral requirements for Melbourne Water as the regional Waterway Management, Drainage Authority and Floodplain Manager. The Principal Planner is responsible for making, defending and leading best practice development decisions for complex development and subdivision applications.

• Decision Assessment and Recommendation for all types of statutory development permits and decision-making responsibility for most types of statutory development applications and permits in line with set Delegations, Policies, Guidelines and Procedures.
• Statutory planning decision making in accordance with all relevant statutory planning requirements and provisions, including Planning and Environment Act 1987, Building Regulations 2018, Planning Regulations, Planning Schemes and policies, and Ministerial Directions. 
• Interpret and apply State and Business Policy and Guidelines on the application of Development Standards where Melbourne Water has a Statutory Referral power including floodplain manager, drainage authority and waterway management authority – with a focus on safety first.

About You

• Extensive demonstrated understanding in the urban planning and development industry as they relate to floodplain management, waterway management and drainage, waterway health and waterway liveability required
• Demonstrated experience in managing, preparing evidence and presenting to VCAT, BAB, Ombudsman and appeal bodies required.
• Demonstrated extensive experience in delegated statutory development decision making in a referral authority, local or state government or equivalent required.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills together with high level verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to clearly and with evidence communicate the basis for and the rationale behind decisions verbally and in writing.

For more information, please review the attached position description: Principal Planner - Statutory Referral Permit Services.pdf

Why Join Us

At Melbourne Water, we care about water and all life that springs from it.

Our people are fuelled by passion, and with safety at the forefront, we have an unwavering sense of purpose and are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We walk the talk when it comes to flexible working – but that’s not all. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning permeates everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and care deeply for public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive an application and learn if you could be a great fit.

How To Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Sunday 27^th April at 11:55pm AEST