About Moira Shire Council
Moira Shire Council is an innovative and progressive local government organisation committed to serving the needs of communities across a large regional shire located on the Murray River almost 3 hours north of Melbourne.
Our region includes four major towns - Cobram, Numurkah, Nathalia and Yarrawonga, one of Victoria's most popular holiday destinations.
We are a team of diverse individuals who enjoy many lifestyle benefits of working for Moira Shire Council, including:
* A family-friendly workplace that lives by our values of Respect, Integrity, Accountability, Honesty, and Teamwork
* Annual flu shots
* Annual skin checks
* Opportunity to salary package
* Access Employee Assistance Program
* Can and soft-plastic collection
* The ability to make a tangible difference to your community
* 16 weeks paid parental leave for primary caregiver and 6 weeks for secondary carer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer offering flexible work arrangements in a family-friendly workplace.
We promote a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and value the contributions of all people and encourages people with a disability, Aboriginal Australians, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.
Job Description
Role Purpose and Objectives
The Planning Department responsibly assesses planning permit applications, provides advice on development issues and effectively communicates processes, decisions and outcomes to community stakeholders.
The Planning Enquiries Officer acts as the initial point of contact with customers in relation to planning permit enquiries. The officer provides general development advice to internal and external customers, ensuring technically accurate information is provided to customers to deliver on the Business Unit's strategic and operational objectives.
The role assists and supports team members by:
* Providing information and advice to enquiries and pre-lodgement requests relating to planning and development
* Interpreting and advising on the Victorian planning system, including the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Subdivision Act 1988, The Victorian Planning Provisions, the Moira Planning Scheme and VCAT processes
* Advising stakeholders on where to find information, systems and planning controls on both Council and State Government webpages
* Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
* Undertaking preliminary reviews of applications and processing minor applications
* Developing and maintaining a continuous improvement culture of all processes, systems and activities for improved customer service, efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery
* Providing efficient and effective administrative services and support to the Planning Department to satisfy Council and the community, and ensure that all statutory obligations are met
* Assisting the team to achieve organisational objectives through the provision of administrative support duties
* Enhancing the image of the Council to both internal and external customers
This role may be offered at a Band 5 or a Band 6 rate of pay, dependent upon the incumbent's qualifications and experience.
If the successful applicant qualifies for a Band 5 upon commencement, and through the course of studies and experience becomes eligible for a Band 6, consideration will be given to reclassifying the role provided that a higher level of service delivery is able to be offered.
Key Responsibilities
* Responsible assessment of planning permit applications
* Providing advice on development issues
* Effective communication with community stakeholders
* General development advice to internal and external customers
* Preliminary reviews of applications and processing minor applications
* Development and maintenance of a continuous improvement culture
* Provision of administrative services and support to the Planning Department
Desired Skills and Experience
Please submit a Cover Letter with your application which addresses the following Key Selection Criteria:
* Relevant tertiary qualifications (or at least studying toward a Diploma/degree in Town and Regional Planning or equivalent recognised qualification)
* Experience and/or understanding of the role and responsibilities of Local Government and its statutory functions
* Skills in computer operations utilising Microsoft Office and a range of specialist software including GIS mapping
* Exceptional customer service skills and ability to build positive relationships
* Ability to gain cooperation and assistance from other employees and external stakeholders
* Ability to remain pleasant and courteous at all times even when dealing with difficult people
* Ability to deal discreetly and tactfully with confidential and sensitive matters
* High quality interpersonal skills including written and oral communication and negotiation skills