About the role
We are seeking a passionate and experienced design qualified to lead and deliver innovative solutions that shape the future of our city’s public spaces. In this role, you will take ownership of a diverse portfolio of place-based projects, including streetscapes, urban renewal initiatives, parks and reserves, linear trails, transport corridors, and other key precincts. Your work will directly contribute to creating vibrant, functional, and sustainable environments for our community.
As a senior member of the City Design Team, you will provide expert design advice and guidance on Council-led and partner agency infrastructure projects. You will collaborate closely with contractors and internal project delivery teams throughout the design and construction phases to ensure high-quality outcomes that meet community expectations and align with strategic objectives.
Leadership is a key aspect of this role. You will support and mentor 1–2 Project Officers, offering design expertise, project oversight, and opportunities for professional growth. By fostering a culture of responsiveness and continuous improvement, you will help the team deliver exceptional services and embrace innovative practices.
This is an exciting chance for someone who thrives on collaboration, values design excellence, and wants to make a meaningful impact on the public realm.
About you
You are a creative and strategic design professional with a passion for shaping vibrant public spaces. You hold a tertiary qualification in Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, or a related discipline, and bring proven experience in delivering public realm projects from concept through to documentation and construction - ideally within a public sector environment.
Your expertise spans design and horticultural practices, including soils, drainage, and plant selection, ensuring sustainable and functional outcomes. You have strong skills in project cost management, designing to budget, and preparing accurate cost estimates. With experience in project management, you excel at leading the development and implementation of design solutions and managing a portfolio of projects and contractors efficiently.
Proficiency in AutoCAD is essential, enabling you to translate concepts into functional layouts and plans for costing, tendering, and delivery. You are also confident using MS Project, MS Office, and ideally GIS tools. Previous experience working on design projects in or with Local Government and overseeing construction stages from a design perspective will be highly regarded.
Above all, you are a collaborative leader who can mentor and support team members, fostering professional growth while delivering exceptional design outcomes for the community.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Qualifications and experience as listed above.
- Experience in managing/leading team members.
- Demonstrated practical experience designing public realm design projects.
- Proven experience of a high level of proficiency using AutoCAD, the Adobe Suite and SketchUp to plan and design projects from project inception to completion.
- Demonstrated high level of interpersonal, communication, consultation and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to articulate issues and influence outcomes through the design process.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in project management and stakeholder management.
Be Part of Something More:
Join us in making a real difference to the lives within our community. Working for City of Ballarat you will be part of a team that values honesty, transparency and accounting in everything we do. We believe in the importance of valuing every Individual and working together to support the community. Together we create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and make a positive impact.
Benefits
There’s more to remuneration than just salary.
Here are some key benefits you might value:
- Learning and development programs
- Flexible work policies
- Employee benefits program
- MyWellbeing initiatives
To Apply
To apply for this position please click on the apply button and submit your application.
The closing date for this position is Wednesday 3 December 2025.
Please ensure that you provide a cover letter, current resume and answer the screen questions based on the selection criteria.
The successful applicant will be required to undergo a full employment medical and police check.
Contact
For any additional questions, please contact David Turley, Team Leader City Design on davidturley@ballarat.vic.gov.au.
At the City of Ballarat, we celebrate diversity and strive to create an inclusive, flexible workplace where everyone feels welcome. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities to apply. If you need any support during the recruitment process, reach out to us at peopleandculture@ballarat.com.au
We’re proud to be a child-safe organisation, committed to protecting children and young people from harm. Our culture promotes their safety and wellbeing, and we require all successful candidates to undergo relevant screening, including a Working with Children Check and criminal history check.