Recreation and Open Space Planner 

Mitchell Shire is where the city meets the country. Located just 40 minutes north of Melbourne, we're home to thriving townships, beautiful natural landscapes and some of Australia's fastest-growing communities.

With a current population of more than 64,000 residents and forecast growth to over 220,000 by 2046, there has never been a more exciting time to join Mitchell Shire Council. As we continue to grow, so do the opportunities to make a genuine difference to our community and help shape the future of one of Victoria's most dynamic municipalities.

At Mitchell Shire Council, you'll be part of a progressive, inclusive and supportive organisation that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement. Together, we work as One Mitchell, guided by our values of Trusted, Engaged and Innovative.

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.

This role is a permanent, full-time opportunity with a Monthly ADO. Main Office locations, Broadford and Wallan.

Remuneration begins at $105.5K to $117.9K pa (Band 7) plus superannuation.

Why Mitchell?

At Mitchell Shire Council, we are committed to creating a workplace where people can thrive and do their best work. In return for your contribution, you'll enjoy:

• Flexible work arrangements where operationally possible
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee wellbeing initiatives and Employee Assistance Program support
• A values-driven and supportive workplace culture
• The opportunity to contribute to one of Victoria's fastest-growing municipalities
• Meaningful work that makes a difference to our community

About you  

• 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.

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

Want to Know More?

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 opportunity 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 contained within the Position Description. For information on how to apply, please visit our Careers Page.

Previous Applicants need not apply.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion and Safety

Mitchell Shire Council is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible workplace that values different perspectives and upholds the highest standards of integrity, respect and responsibility. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities.

As a Child Safe Organisation, we are committed to promoting the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a valid Working with Children Check where required for the role.

Our commitment is guided by the principles of the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic), the Gender Equality Act 2020, the Climate Change Act 2017 and the Victorian Child Safe Standards.

We are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the application or interview process, we encourage you to let us know. We will work with you to ensure you have the opportunity to participate fully and demonstrate your capabilities.

Applications close at 5.00pm Monday 23 November 2026.