Recreation and Open Space Planner 

Mitchell Shire Council has embarked on Victoria’s last great story of growth.

Located just 40 minutes from Melbourne where the city meets the country, we’re renowned for our scenic beauty that’s rich in both history and heritage.  We’re home to a mix of beautiful natural landscapes, townships and emerging communities in some of Australia’s fastest-growing suburbs.

Come join a Local Government Organisation offering a fantastic opportunity for Community, Opportunity and Growth for the right applicant.

This is your opportunity to join a supportive organisation in an area with rapid population growth. In 2025 Mitchell Shire is home to 64,175 residents, it is forecast to grow to 221,636 by 2046.

About the Opportunity

Help build the places where people live, play, and connect.

At Mitchell Shire Council, we’re working on exciting projects that will shape our growing community. This is a great opportunity to be involved in planning and creating parks, sports fields, and other community spaces, from the very first ideas all the way through to design and construction. You’ll also be helping improve older parts of our town.

As our Recreation and Open Space Planner, you’ll play an important role in planning parks, reserves, and other outdoor spaces, making sure they meet the needs of both new and existing communities. You’ll be involved in everything from planning and design to working with the people and teams who bring the projects to life.

This is the role for someone who loves thinking of new ideas and solutions, enjoys working on big projects, and cares about making a real difference in the community.

What you’ll do:

• Lead planning and strategy for outdoor spaces across the region.
• Help shape new neighbourhoods with planning for parks and community spaces.
• Support projects from initial ideas to final design and construction.
• Work on projects that improve existing parks and public spaces.
• Provide expert advice on community spaces, parks, and recreation facilities.
• Work with other teams, external experts, and local groups to get the best outcomes.
• Find new and creative ways to meet the growing needs of the community.

This role is a permanent, full-time opportunity with a Monthly ADO. Remuneration begins at $102.7K to $114.7K pa (Band 7) plus superannuation.

About You

We’re looking for someone with a good understanding of planning outdoor spaces, recreation, and sports facilities, ideally in a growing community setting. You’ll be someone who enjoys both planning at a big-picture level and getting things done in detail.

In no particular order, you are:

• Knowledgeable about recreation and sports planning in local government
• Creative, with fresh ideas to solve challenges
• Practical and ready to turn ideas into action
• Enthusiastic about making a difference for the community
• Comfortable working with different teams and stakeholders
• Able to navigate local government processes and work with a variety of people

Why join us

This job is about more than just planning — it’s about shaping the future of our community. You’ll play a key role in creating parks and public spaces in new areas, and help improve the places that people already love.

If you’re excited about turning ideas into real projects that benefit the community, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information about this role please contact Dean Frank, Recreation and Open Space Coordinator on 03 5734 6374 or email Dean.Frank@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

All applications must address the Key Selection Criteria in the position description. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers page.

Mitchell Shire Council are a Child Safe Organisation. The successful applicant will be required to obtain a Working with Children Check, prior to commencement. Mitchell Shire Council is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace

Applications close at 5pm Monday 6 April 2026.