Principal Planning Officer Housing Unit

The Principal Planning Officer Housing Unit is part of a dedicated team responsible for delivering high quality environment and biodiversity input to place based strategic plans and support decision makers in the planning process to deliver the Victorian Government’s Housing Statement. The Principal Planning Officer works collaboratively with other members of the Major and State Projects team in the statewide Planning and Environment Assessment branch, and with environment assessment experts to contribute to the delivery of planning outcomes that support housing growth and the protection of biodiversity. While focused on housing projects in particular, the position may also be required to support the delivery of other group and departmental priorities.

 Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in land use planning is mandatory.
• Detailed working knowledge of and experience in applying the Victoria Planning Provisions and experience in the preparation of place based strategic plans is desirable.
• An understanding of current issues in regional planning and environmental consideration when planning for residential growth.
• Experience in preparing and delivering land use planning advice and managing approval inputs into significant environmental impact assessment would be advantageous

This is a fixed term position until 29 January 2027. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.