About the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (the Authority) was established on 1 December 2020 to deliver better protection and management of the iconic coast and parks of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
In partnership with Traditional Owners, our role is to manage, protect, rehabilitate and foster resilience of the natural, cultural and heritage values of coastal Crown land and marine waters along the Great Ocean Road.
As a public land manager for the Great Ocean Road coast and parks, we manage a wide variety of public land from National Parks to coastal beaches to town foreshores. We also lead visitation policy and planning for the scenic landscapes along the Great Ocean Road to manage visitation and provide a great visitor experience.
All revenue raised through our commercial endeavours is reinvested into the coast to ensure the Great Ocean Road region can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.
The Environment and Planning Approvals Senior Officer is responsible for preparing, reviewing and lodging a wide range of statutory environmental and planning approvals required for the delivery of capital and operational projects across the Authorities portfolios. The role works closely with the Planning, Commercial, Coastal Operations and Capital Works teams to undertake planning due diligence on proposed projects and provide advice to ensure projects align with all related policy, strategy and statutory requirements for use and development of Crown land and delivering relevant project planning approvals.
Primary responsibilities:
The primary responsibilities of the Environment and Planning Approvals Senior Officer include:
• Prepare clear, concise, timely and accurate technical planning advice (internal and external) to ensure the organisation aligns with best practice coast and parks management.
• Prepare and submit statutory planning and permit applications and oversee where required the discharging of conditions.
• Plan small to medium specialist projects, and provide support to initiatives, and programs through the provision of technical planning advice.
• Participate in and assist with marine and coastal planning projects and tasks including strategic reviews to improve process and policy outcomes.
• Development and implement planning initiatives and systems to maintain consistency and transparency.
• Design, coordinate and provide education and training to various stakeholders on public land administration requirements and planning approvals.
• Provide technical support on legislative and non-statutory framework obligations associated with transitioning land parcels (e.g. National Parks Act) and the Authority’s expanding functions/powers.
• Prepare complex reports and briefs requiring in-depth factual analysis to support planning decisions and submissions.
Please note - this list is not exhaustive, for a full list of key responsibilities please view the attached Position Description.
Qualifications and experience:
- Completion of a degree or diploma in statutory planning, environmental planning, coastal management, or related discipline.
- Demonstrated work experience (minimum 5 years) in a comparative role.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Advance proficiency and knowledge of the Marine and Coastal Approval process, including the Marine and Coastal Act, the Planning and Environment Act and other relevant legislation, practices and trends.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret technical advice, anticipate problems and implement actions.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with staff, public, consultants and statutory authorities.
- Strong problem solving and analytical skills and ability to troubleshoot issues to find solutions.
- Demonstrated time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
- Apply astute judgement to enable quality decision, consistency and accountability.
- Conveys confidence in maintaining partnerships with a range of stakeholders (both external and internal) to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a productive team member, often working to strict deadlines on projects with the ability to develop a continuous improvement culture.