Senior Specialist Planning Officer

Are you an experienced planner with a passion for public land, forest and fire management?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Specialist Planning Officer to join the Specialist Planning team in Gippsland. In this role, you will lead the planning of complex and high-priority forest and fire management activities that help protect communities, public land and the environment.

As a Senior Specialist Planning Officer, you will lead the tactical planning of complex, high-impact forest and fire management activities across Gippsland. Working with specialist teams, operational staff and key stakeholders, you will help deliver programs that reduce bushfire risk, protect environmental values and support healthy, resilient public land.

In this role, you will:

• Lead tactical planning for complex and high-risk forest and fire management works, including Strategic Fuel Breaks, hazardous tree treatment and regeneration activities.
• Prepare high-quality planning and procurement documentation to support program delivery.
• Ensure planning processes comply with legislative, environmental and policy requirements.
• Analyse and interpret spatial, operational and environmental data to inform decision-making.
• Facilitate the use of the Forestry Contractor Program (FCP) contractors to perform forest management operations including planned burn preparation works.
• Work collaboratively with regional and statewide planning teams to improve planning systems and processes.
• Build productive relationships with stakeholders, program partners and operational teams.
• Contribute to a culture of cultural safety, inclusion and continuous improvement.

We’re looking for someone who wants to work collaboratively with strong planning and leadership skills to work alongside and support many District, Regional and Statewide DEECA teams. The ability to build relationships, manage competing priorities and adapt to a dynamic environment will be highly valued.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the sustainable management of Victoria's forests and help deliver positive outcomes for communities and the environment across Gippsland region. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Knowledge of operational delivery of forest management programs/services
• Tertiary qualifications in natural resource or environmental management, or public policy (desirable)
• Experience working with planning systems including Fuel Management System (FMS), eMAP and ArcGIS (or similar)

This is a fixed term position available Until 02 of April 2027. The work location for this position is flexible within Gippsland Region (preferred Latrobe or Macalister District based) 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. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 16 September 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.