Landscape Development Officer

The Landscape Development officer within the Open Space Planning and Design team will drive quality outcomes in both new developer driven and Council led open space projects. You will take the lead in implementing the Landscape Design Manual ensuring all new works to be vested in Council meet these standards and those of the Subdivision Act. You will also lead and provide support to the team and broader organisation by providing design solutions across a range of parks and reserves, linear trails and green corridors as well as in other key sites and precincts.

The role is flexible in terms of working arrangements and location but will have on-site requirements. The most important factor is a strong background in construction oversight or management, your technical and design capacity and motivation to make a difference to the open spaces of Ballarat.

The areas you will work across will include:

• Ongoing strategy and process improvement
• Implementation of the Landscape Design Manual in relation to developer delivered open space, including plan and design review, approvals, construction oversight and managing the handover of Council assets.
• Monitoring the lifecycle of developer led open spaces, parks and reserves as they progress through the planning process and ultimately through construction and handover.
• Performing site visits and surveillance
• Providing specialist design and open space planning advice on relevant planning permit referrals
• Providing design advice to internal and external stakeholders, and progressing your own landscape related design projects as relevant
• Assistance with the preparation of tenders, proposals and submissions

 Essential Experience/Attributes:

• A degree in Landscape Architecture or similar related field with relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience with the design, documentation, assessment / preparation and/or approval of landscape plans for public open spaces
• An understanding of statutory and strategic planning processes, relevant knowledge of the Subdivision Act relating to open space planning, provision, and development (desirable).
• Demonstrated experience in landscape construction, project management, stakeholder relations, supervision and dealing with contractors.
• Demonstrated high level of interpersonal, communication, consultation and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to articulate issues and influence outcomes through the design process.
• A folio of work / a recent project demonstrating experience in relation to public open space design, documentation and delivery.
• Australian resident.

Why Work With Us?

• Work Environment: Flexibility with hybrid work options.
• Working Conditions: Flexible, supportive, and friendly team environment with many employee benefits.
• Professional Development: Ongoing training opportunities and participation in a range of industry conferences and events.
• Ease of access and End of Trip Facilities: Public transport from Melbourne and a walkable/cyclable city. Shower and bike storage are available for use in the building.
• A Great Backdrop: Work in the centre of one of Victoria’s top tourism destination cities rich in creativity, heritage, culture and good local lunch and food options.

Who Are We?

Ballarat is one of the largest inland regional cities in the country, uniquely located with easy access to Melbourne, Geelong and Bendigo and is the Western Victorian capital for a region of 250,000 people.

Open Space Planning and Design is a unit within the Development and Growth Division which is responsible for delivering quality design projects in parks and reserves, open spaces, links for walking, cycling and recreational trails, green water corridors and other urban and landscape design projects.

The team are a small but passionate group of designers, Landscape Architects and technical experts who believe in the future of Ballarat and the potential to make a positive impact on its future through championing great design.

To Apply:
If you feel you are the right person for this opportunity, we would love to hear from you.

Please call Joe Morgan-Payler, Team Leader Open Space Planning and Design on 0439 552 611 to discuss the opportunity and explore it further. Or apply online by sending a cover letter, resume, and portfolio OR link to your online portfolio.

Applications close Thursday 15th May 2025. 

The City of Ballarat is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a safe and inclusive working environment that embraces and values diversity, flexibility and child safety. We welcome applications from all walks of life and celebrate the diversity and richness this brings to our workplace and reasonable adjustments will be made to the process to ensure equitable access.  We undertake an employment screening process to ensure this commitment is upheld, this includes ensuring the successful candidate holds a valid working with children check and satisfactory criminal history record check.