About the role
Knox City Council is looking for an experienced open space planning professional to help shape the future of our much-loved parks, reserves and public spaces across Knox. In this leadership role, you will guide strategic planning, design and project development for open space initiatives that make a real difference to the community. Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Infrastructure, you will bring strong expertise in urban planning, landscape design, strategy development and community engagement, along with the confidence to lead people, manage budgets and resources, and oversee projects from concept through to handover to Council’s internal delivery teams. You will also contribute to customer-focused outcomes and play an active role in Knox City Council’s broader leadership group. This limited tenure opportunity is available until 9 July 2027 and is based at Council’s Civic Centre on Burwood Highway, Wantirna South. Hybrid working arrangements and flexible work options are available for the right candidate.
This is a Band 8 classified role. Remuneration will be $134,338 to $150,831 (depending on experience) plus superannuation in accordance with the Superannuation Guarantee.
What you will bring to this role
The key selection criteria for this role are:
- Extensive experience in managing a design team within a political environment, including leading the development and implementation of the annual Open Space work plan, applying effective management, prioritisation and influencing skills to achieve agreed outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly and with influence, including the ability to understand and adapt to the audience to gain support and commitment by others.
- Demonstrated experience in design, documentation and contract administration of open space projects
- Advanced capability with the development of policy, strategy, procedures and feasibility studies.
- Extensive and diverse experience in community engagement, relationship management, and/ or education.
- Experience in managing budgets and preparing reports.
- A degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited institution that provides eligibility for membership of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects or appropriate institution is preferred, or a relevant tertiary qualification and extensive relevant experience.
How to apply
Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter by 11:45pm on Sunday 6 September 2026.
All applications must be made via the online portal. No applications direct to the hiring manager will be considered.
For further information on this role please contact hiring manager Shane Hardingham, Acting Manager Strategic Infrastructure, at [email protected] or on 9298 8770.
A link to the position description can be found in the job listing on our Knox City Council Jobs and Careers page.
Please note: Candidates will be shortlisted as applications are received and this role may close earlier than the anticipated closing date.
Why work at Knox
Discover your future at Knox City Council, where you will deliver meaningful impact, find great opportunities and work with committed people to shape our community. As an employee of Knox, you can enjoy:
- Accrued or rostered days off available for full-time roles, depending on operational requirements
- Broad range of leave options including up to 16 weeks primary and up to 4 weeks secondary parental leave
- Salary sacrifice option for Council-owned childcare fees
- Opportunities to take on temporary roles or work in different teams to build skills and support career growth
- Support towards further study
- 50% off Knox Leisureworks memberships
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support in managing personal and work-related challenges.
To find out more about the benefits of working at Knox City Council, visit knox.vic.gov.au/why-work-knox
Our commitments
Knox City Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to providing a workplace that embraces diversity and inclusion. We are committed to a positive, barrier-free recruitment process. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.
Knox City Council has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children. All children and young people who access our services, programs, events and facilities have the right to feel safe and be safe. This includes spaces owned or managed by Council. We take the wellbeing and safety of children and young people in our care seriously. We maintain a child safe organisation by embedding the protection of children into everyday thinking and practice. All Knox City Council employees, contractors and volunteers are responsible for ensuring children and young people are valued, heard and protected from abuse.
Knox City Council acknowledges our offices are located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation.
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