- Play a key role in protecting community amenity and shaping quality development outcomes across Darebin.
- Manage complex, high-profile planning enforcement matters with autonomy and support from an experienced team.
- Represent Council in VCAT and legal proceedings while contributing to improvements in planning enforcement practices.
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Play a key role in protecting community amenity and shaping quality development outcomes across Darebin.
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Manage complex, high-profile planning enforcement matters with autonomy and support from an experienced team.
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Represent Council in VCAT and legal proceedings while contributing to improvements in planning enforcement practices.
Position the Opportunity:
Take the lead on complex planning enforcement matters and help protect Darebin's neighbourhoods through fair, professional and effective compliance.
About the role:
As a Senior Planning Enforcement Officer, you'll play a critical role in ensuring development across Darebin complies with planning legislation and delivers positive community outcomes. Working within the Development Compliance team, you'll investigate complex planning breaches, resolve high-risk compliance matters and provide expert advice on enforcement processes. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders, legal representatives and the community to achieve practical, fair and legally sound outcomes while contributing to continuous improvement across Council's planning enforcement service.
You will:
- Manage a diverse and complex planning enforcement caseload, prioritising matters based on risk, community impact and legislative requirements.
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Investigate alleged planning breaches, gather evidence and work with property owners and stakeholders to achieve voluntary compliance wherever possible.
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Prepare enforcement notices, legal documentation and represent Council in VCAT and other legal proceedings on complex matters.
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Provide expert advice and technical leadership on planning enforcement, legislation and best practice across the organisation.
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Monitor, report and contribute to continuous improvement of enforcement processes, policies and systems.
About you:
You're an experienced planning professional with strong legislative knowledge and a passion for protecting community amenity. You approach enforcement with professionalism, sound judgement and a practical, negotiation-first mindset. You thrive in challenging situations, communicate confidently with a broad range of stakeholders and can confidently manage complex matters from investigation through to legal resolution.
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Tertiary qualification in Urban Planning or a related discipline, with significant experience in planning enforcement, planning compliance or statutory planning.
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Strong knowledge of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Victorian Planning Provisions and planning enforcement processes, including VCAT.
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Demonstrated ability to investigate complex planning matters, assess evidence and achieve compliance through negotiation and appropriate enforcement action.
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Excellent written communication skills with experience preparing enforcement notices, reports and documentation for legal proceedings.
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Resilient, organised and able to manage competing priorities while building productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Why Darebin?
Darebin City Council is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We proudly serve one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, and we know that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.
We offer:
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A supportive team environment
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Opportunities for professional development and career growth
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A workplace that values collaboration, integrity, respect and creativity
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The chance to make a real difference
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your application including a Cover Letter and Resume. If you wish to address the Key Selection Criteria in the Position Description, you may do so in your cover letter.
Applications close on Monday 20/07/2026 at 11:30pm. Applications will be reviewed during the advertising period so if you’re interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to get your application in as early as possible.
For a confidential discussion about the role and the opportunity, contact Fiona Bergin, Coordinator Development Compliance - [email protected]
Should you need reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to support your accessibility needs, please get in contact with us and advise how we can best support you.
Pre-employment Checks
Darebin is committed to providing a safe working environment that embraces and values child safety, and thorough ‘Safety Screening’ processes apply.
To work at Darebin City Council, you will be required to supply proof of work rights, a Victorian Employee Working with Children Check and comply with Child Safety standards.
All employees are required to undertake an Australian Criminal History Check and may be required to complete a Functional Health Assessment.
