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

Shape Melbourne’s future as our Principal Planner Urban & Regional Strategic Planning Amendments.

Join Melbourne Water’s Urban Planning and Development Team in a pivotal fixed term role leading the integration of flood modelling into Council planning schemes. As Principal Planner, you’ll drive complex planning scheme amendments, engage with key stakeholders across government, councils, community, and the development industry, and champion innovative solutions for a resilient city.

You’ll manage technical projects, lead stakeholder consultations, and be the go-to expert for planning panels and committees. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, oversee quality and compliance, and mentor others to deliver outstanding planning outcomes.

• Attend and lead community consultation or engagement with key stakeholders.
• Manage relationships as the key contact for specific Planning Scheme Amendments to DTP, Planning Panels Victoria and Councils.
• Coordinate flood implementation Planning Scheme Amendments within the team and provide an active role in project planning, oversight and occasional financial management.
• Assist and provide planning expertise during Panels and Committees, effectively advocating for Melbourne Water to other agencies and the community.

For more information, please refer to the attached Role Mandate

What you’ll bring:

• Extensive experience in urban planning, project management, and community engagement.
• Proven track record with planning scheme amendments and stakeholder management.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Urban Planning (or equivalent).
• Experience with VCAT, Planning Panels Victoria, and advisory committees.
• A passion for shaping sustainable, liveable communities.

Why join us:

At Melbourne Water, we care deeply about water and the life it sustains. 

Our team is inspired by passion and purpose, with an unwavering commitment to safety. We are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.   

We don’t just talk about flexible working - we live it. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning flows through 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, Neurodivergent 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 passionate about public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive your 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: Monday 3rd November 2025 at 11:55pm AEST