Full time permanent role (based on 38 hours per week) with monthly RDO
Salary: $114K - $128K + Super
Be part of one of the nation’s leading local governments in Environmentally Sustainable Development
Ability to transfer or take LSL (Long Service Leave) within Local Government

About Merri-bek City Council

Merri-bek City Council is a progressive council of 195,125 residents: one community, proudly diverse. Our council area sits within the banks of the Merri Creek and the Moonee Ponds Creek, and includes Brunswick, Coburg, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park and Pascoe Vale. Our city is vibrant and energetic, known for its active community, cultural diversity, creative industries and the arts. Our long-term vision has ambitious goals for environmental sustainability, social justice, community wellbeing, and creating great places. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food and cafés right at the doorstep.

Merri-bek Council strives to be a contemporary, innovative and collaborative organisation with a deep commitment to engaging and supporting the Merri-bek community. Our organisational vision is to be one team, brave and diverse, making a difference.

We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We offer flexible and hybrid work options and genuinely care about providing our staff work/life balance. With the Civic Centre located in Coburg, 8 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, there are excellent public transport options and great food, cafés, parks and a cinema right at the doorstep. Merri-bek is a great place to live, work and play.

About the role

Merri-bek City Council is offering a fantastic opportunity for a sustainability or planning professional to input to our dynamic Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) Team. Reporting to the Unit Manager of Sustainable Built Environment, this role is an integral position to support our built environment to respond to the climate emergency.

Merri-bek has a strong reputation as a leader in Environmentally Sustainable Development, particularly in embedding sustainability outcomes through the planning system, development assessment and built environment projects. This role will play an important part in maintaining and strengthening that profile by leading a skilled ESD team, driving continuous improvement, and supporting high-quality outcomes across Council and developer-led projects.

To ensure success, we are seeking a professional with a proven background in delivering sustainable outcomes in the built environment including through the planning scheme and development application process. You will have the ability to collaborate and influence internal and external stakeholders to work towards excellence in ESD outcomes.

The successful candidate will be confident in leading constructive and assertive negotiations with developers, consultants and internal stakeholders, particularly on complex planning referrals, major development applications and developer-led assets. You will be someone who can balance technical rigour with practical problem-solving, helping secure strong sustainability outcomes while supporting positive working relationships. You will also proactively identify and remove barriers to achieving best‑practice sustainability outcomes, including influencing internal processes, decision-making and standards.

Skills and experience require to perform the role

Lead a small team of ESD professionals.
Qualifications relevant to the applicable field
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Environmentally Sustainable Development
Working knowledge of planning and building legislation and ability to provide technical advice on sustainability issues
Strong negotiation and influencing skills, including the ability to work confidently with developers, consultants, internal stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to resolve complex issues and secure improved ESD outcomes.
Experience providing advice on complex planning referrals, major development applications and/or developer-led built environment projects or assets.
Demonstrated Project management skills
Highly effective written and verbal communication skills

What the role can offer

Monthly or Fortnightly RDO
Extensive opportunities for training & career development
Salary sacrifice options
A real sense of work-life balance & flexible work options
The opportunity to contribute to a high-performing ESD function within a Council recognised for leadership in sustainable development
Wellness programs

Further support offered for our staff -

Up to 20 weeks primary & up to 5 weeks secondary parental leave
Purchase leave
Ceremonial leave
Gender affirmation leave
Family violence leave

For further information about this position please contact Victoria Hart - Manager Sustainability and Climate on 9240 2476 or vhart@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Applications close: 11:30pm, Friday, 24 July 2026.
*in the case that we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to close this advertisement before the current closing date.

Before submitting an application please view the Position Description.

Please note that when applying for this role, you may be required to attach your valid Driver's Licence and WWCC. Please have this ready when completing your application.

How to apply

Please fill out an application using our online recruitment system. You will be required to upload your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant skills and experience. You do not need to respond to the individual Key Selection Criteria. Please also upload any other relevant documents.

*Please note that some documents relating to this position may reference Moreland City Council. We are in the process of updating the councils new name of Merri-bek City Council.

Please note that applications must only be submitted online, applications will not be accepted via email.

Merri-bek City Council is proudly diverse and an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, people with disability, and people from every culture, sexuality and gender identity, age and ethnic background. Merri-bek City Council is a Child Safe organisation.

Merri-bek is focused on diverse representation of the community we serve. With this we value lived experience that could contribute to the shaping of this role and in turn will continue to provide representation and growth of safe and inclusive work culture.

We encourage everyone to apply and discuss opportunities to develop your knowledge and experience. Council is committed to removing barriers and access to employment where possible at any point in the recruitment, onboarding and during your time at Council. For further information regarding access or modifications you may require for a recruitment process please contact Danni Jovanovic, Recruitment Business Partner on recruitment@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

Our Commitment

In May 2021, Merri-bek Council adopted a revised Statement of Commitment to Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities of the municipality. The statement recognises the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the traditional owners of the lands and waterways of our municipality.

Merri-bek City Council is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We believe children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and that their safety and wellbeing is the responsibility of everyone. You can read more about our Child Safety Commitment Statement on our website.

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