Position title/month/year Position Description Position Title Senior Statutory Town Planner Position No 8036 Directorate Department Appointment Type Planning and Environment Statutory Planning Temporary Part Time Classification Band 7 Occupant Location Gisborne - all employees may be directed to move either permanently or for temporary periods to other offices within the Shire due to operational requirements. Date January 2015 OFFICE USE ONLY Manager Signed Date / / Manager Org. Development or Co-ordinator HR Signed Date / / Director Signed Date / / Employee Signed Date / / Position Objective To provide support and advice to a team of Statutory Planning staff to provide an efficient and effective customer focussed statutory planning service to Council for future development of the municipality and urban planning initiatives. To ensure a consistent and professional approach that implements and reflects Council's Organisational Values, objectives and policies in accordance with predetermined delegations.
To provide key support to the Manager Planning and Development and the Senior Statutory Planning Co-ordinator in the identification and review of innovative and practical planning solutions, as well as directions and priorities to enhance the future development of the municipality. Organisational Values Macedon Ranges Shire Council is committed to an organisational philosophy in which respect, care, honesty & openness are core values & responsibility, accountability and confidentiality are aspired to at all times. Key Responsibilities and Duties Organisation Actively model the organisation values in all aspects of the position. To assist under direction of the Manager Statutory Planning & Development and Senior Statutory Planning Coordinator lead the development of systems improvements and enforcement and actively contribute as a member of the Planning Unit utilizing BisEx and Greenlight. Customer Service Provide a high standard of clear, accurate and timely technical and general advice to Council, management and clients within areas of delegated authority. Foster strong relationships with key internal and external agencies involved with Macedon Ranges. Provide clear direction and support to ensure Team Members are responsive to customer needs. Assist in liaising and advising Councillors, community groups and business groups on proposed statutory planning changes and initiatives and make associated presentations within areas of delegated authority. Professional & Technical Advice Coordinate Council representation at VCAT including allocation of appeals, arranging representation and oversee the preparation and presentation of Councils planning appeal Submissions to VCAT and other planning submissions on behalf of Council. Assist as required by the Manger planning and Development and the Senior Statutory Planning co-ordinator in the allocation and coordination of statutory planning activities undertaken by team members to achieve a balance in work
allocation and professional development of Team Members and the meeting of timelines. Assess detailed and complex planning applications having regard to relevant Council policy and planning scheme provisions and refer applications that may have a significant impact to the Manager Statutory Planning & Development and Senior Statutory Planning Coordinator. Explain planning applications, planning scheme requirements and Council policies to public and applicants. In association with Team Members, identify and apply creative solutions in complex applications so as to minimise input from Manager and Director. Signing off on planning matters in accordance with Council s delegations. Participate and contribute to strategic planning projects and other crossorganization projects. Assist where required in the enforcement of the Planning Scheme or Act requirements. Attend Council and other meetings as required. Staff Management Undertake annual staff reviews and the identification and provision of training and development needs of staff reporting to this position. Provide supervision, guidance and professional advice to Team staff. Ensure effective communication with the Team and with other work units. Provide a leadership role for other staff of the unit by exemplary professional conduct and ethical standards. Reporting Provide regular reports on activities and the achievements of objectives, actions and performance measures (financial and non-financial) to the Manager Statutory Planning & Development and Senior Statutory Planning Coordinator. Provide input into policy development and review. Other Duties Responsibilities and duties included in this description are subject to multiskilling. Attend training where required. Provide support to the Manager Statutory Planning & Development and Senior Statutory Planning Coordinator, as required.
Participate in implementation of BisEx both within the Unit and as part of crossorganisational teams. Occupational Health and Safety and Risk Management Create, maintain and foster a safe work environment at all times. Ensure that staff follow safe work practices, procedures, instructions and rules at all times. Perform all duties in a manner that ensure personal health and safety, and that of others in the workplace and the general public. Regularly inspect own immediate work environment and report all hazards or incidents that can cause harm or that represent a threat to public safety. Ensure compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations at all times. Follow up on hazard corrective actions. Ensure compliance with Council s Occupational Health & Safety and Risk Management Policies and Procedures. Support the return to work plan for any injured worker designated to return to work within the Team Leader s work area Record Keeping This position is responsible for ensuring that records are created which will adequately document the business activities in which they take part, and that the records created and received are captured into appropriate and authorised recordkeeping systems in accordance with records management policy.
Organisational Relationships Reports to Supervises Internal Contacts External Contacts Senior Statutory Planning Coordinator Nil All Other Staff General Public Consultants/Contractors Developers Local, State and Federal Government Departments Accountability and Extent of Authority Accountable for ensuring the provision of an efficient, high quality and professional planning service. Accountable for ensuring the timely professional assessment of planning applications having regard to relevant Council policy and planning scheme provisions, as well as the authority to provide specialist advice and information on planning applications, planning scheme requirements and Council policies to planning applicants and the wider community. The freedom to act is subject to professional and regulatory review. Authority to prepare and present planning appeal submissions to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and other planning submissions on behalf of Council. The authority to act is limited to decisions in accordance with established policies and operational procedures for the Planning Department and actions requiring decisions outside of policies and operational procedures are to be referred to the Manager Planning. Recommendations should be given to the Manager on how to proceed with these actions. This position has a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for setting individual and team priorities and practices in managing the workload to achieve agreed goals and deadlines. This position is required to have a formal input into planning policy development and assist the Manager Planning and Development and Senior Statutory planning Co-ordinator in the formulation of strategies to optimise Council's success in accessing the desired development outcomes.
Judgement and Decision Making Required to solve day to day problems in accordance with operational policies/procedures and delegated authorities, recognising that there may be a need to seek guidance from specialists outside of Council in making judgements and decisions that may be outside of established practices and planning applications. Determine the strategies for advocating Council's position to achieve Council's desired outcomes. Interpretation and effective use of the Planning & Environment Act, the Macedon Planning Scheme, regulations, legislation, court decisions, appeal determinations and others to maximise Council s planning objectives. Exercise sound judgement when assessing complex planning applications in accordance with relevant Council policy and planning scheme provisions and when mediating between applicants and objectors whilst attempting to resolve issues arising from particular applications. Specialist Knowledge and Skills Detailed knowledge of the relevant Acts, Regulations, Planning Scheme provisions, Government and Council Policies is required including the ability to apply professional knowledge and experience when confronted with new problems and challenges as they arise. Competent computer skills in a Microsoft environment. Demonstrated proficiency in the application of planning theory and principles including Urban Design. Demonstrated Team Leadership Skills. Experience in planning advocacy at VCAT, panel hearings and similar forums.
Management Skills Ability to develop and foster a cooperative team approach in the delivery of statutory planning services. Skills in managing time, setting priorities and planning and organising own work and that of the team so as to achieve the set objectives in the most efficient way possible within the resources available and set timelines despite conflicting pressures. Requires an understanding and ability to implement personnel practices and policies in accordance with Council's policies, Enterprise Agreement, Occupational Health & Safety legislation and Equal Employment legislation. Ability to provide a flexible approach to achieving targets and objectives to enable that the Planning Services Unit meets its targets within the adequate timelines. Interpersonal Skills High level of communication / interpersonal skills is required as the occupant must be able to liaise effectively with management, staff and customers with regard to information needs. Excellent, verbal, written and report presentation skills. Excellent professional conduct and ethical standards are demonstrated and exhibited. Ability to liaise with range of parties; including an ability to gain their confidence and trust when dealing with complex and sensitive statutory planning matters. Ability to provide team leadership skills to gain co-operation and assistance from staff within the Planning Unit and be able to create an environment that will assist in their motivation and development. Qualifications and Experience Degree or Diploma in Town Planning or equivalent with several years experience; or a lesser formal related qualification with extensive experience in Planning, along with eligibility for corporate membership of the P.I.A. A current Victorian Driver's licence. Applicants with relevant Local Government experience will be considered favourably.
Selection Criteria 1. Degree or Diploma in Town Planning or equivalent with several years experience or a lesser formal related qualification with extensive experience in Planning, along with eligibility for corporate membership of the P.I.A. 2. Proven record of practical experience as a statutory planner in the planning or related field, preferably in local government. 3. Detailed knowledge of and the ability to accurately interpret the relevant Acts, Regulations, Government and Council Policies and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council's Planning Scheme. 4. Proven ability to successfully participate as a Team Leader for a customer responsive Planning Team. 5. Demonstrated track record of implementing continuous improvement procedures and practices. 6. Demonstrated ability to motivate team members to achieve high levels of performance and foster teamwork. 7. A current Victorian Driver's licence. 8. Willingness to undertake a National Police Check. Note: Appointment is subject to the successful completion of this check. Conditions of Employment Employment conditions for all employees are in accordance with the current certified agreements at this council and employment contract or industrial agreement, organisational policies and procedures as amended. Current certified agreements pertaining to Macedon Ranges Shire Council employees are: Macedon Ranges Shire Council Enterprise Agreement 2013 Local Government Early Childhood Education Employees Agreement 2009 Arrangements specific to your employment and work place will be explained to you during the recruitment process. For further details Enterprise Agreements can be downloaded from www.fwa.gov.au. You will be responsible for the duties as outlined in this position description and any such duties, which could be reasonably asked of a person in this position, as designated to you by your supervisor.
Application Process The selection process has been designed to ensure that all eligible applicants have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and suitability for the position. The selection process may include skills tests or work samples where appropriate, reference checking, psychological profiling, a medical examination or police check. Appointment to positions within Macedon Ranges Shire Council is on the basis of merit. Key Selection Criteria The position description should be read very carefully as this describes the core duties and requirements of the position and outlines the criteria used as a basis for selecting the most appropriate person for the job. Unless specified it is mandatory to address the key selection criteria. We recommend that rather than stating you can meet each criterion; give specific examples illustrating particular skills which will enable us to determine how you meet the criteria of the position. More Information The Contact Officer s name is stated on the Job Advertisement. If you have any queries, please contact this person so your questions can be addressed promptly. Speaking to the contact person may assist you in your decision on whether to apply for the position. Privacy Statement - Recruitment Personal and Health Information will be collected by Council during the recruitment process. The Personal and Health Information will be used solely by Council for this purpose. Council may disclose this information to other organisations if required by legislation. The applicant may apply to council for access to and/or amendment of the information after finalisation of the appeals process. Information relating to unsuccessful applicants may be destroyed by Council after 12 months from this time. Requests for access and/or correction should be made to Council s Privacy Officer.
Canvassing of Councillors and Council Officers Canvassing of Councillors and Council Officers, either indirectly or directly that may influence the outcomes of this application may be deemed a disqualification. Where to Send Applications Applications will be kept strictly confidential and should be addressed to Macedon Ranges Shire Council P O Box 151 KYNETON VIC 3444 Please address the key selection criteria in your application.