We're seeking an experienced Environmental Referrals Officer to join a progressive local government organisation located in one of Melbourne's most picturesque, leafy eastern suburbs. Known for its rolling hills, abundant parklands, significant native vegetation and strong commitment to environmental sustainability, this municipality offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact on the future of environmentally sensitive landscapes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an environmental professional with statutory planning experience who enjoys balancing technical expertise, stakeholder engagement and practical problem-solving.

The Chance

As the Environmental Referrals Officer, you'll play a pivotal role in providing specialist environmental and conservation land management advice throughout the statutory planning process. Working closely with planners, compliance officers, engineers and external stakeholders, you'll ensure development outcomes appropriately protect biodiversity, native vegetation and environmentally significant areas.

This varied role combines office-based technical assessment with site inspections, stakeholder consultation and strategic environmental advice.

Key Responsibilities

- Assess planning applications within environmentally sensitive areas and provide expert environmental referral advice.
- Review environmental reports, vegetation assessments and supporting documentation.
- Undertake site inspections and provide practical recommendations to minimise environmental impacts.
- Advise internal departments, applicants, consultants and the community on environmental planning matters.
- Prepare high-quality technical reports, guidelines and environmental policies.




- Assist with planning compliance investigations, including inspections and preparation of evidence where required.
- Represent Council at VCAT, tribunals or court proceedings where necessary.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and cross-functional projects.
- Mentor staff and share specialist environmental knowledge across the organisation.

About You

You are an experienced environmental professional who understands the complexities of balancing development with environmental protection. You enjoy working collaboratively, communicating technical information clearly and finding practical solutions to complex planning matters.

You'll bring:

- Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Conservation Land Management or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience assessing statutory planning applications.
- Strong knowledge of the Victorian Planning Framework, Planning and Setting Act 1987 and environmental planning controls.
- Experience in native vegetation identification, biodiversity conservation and weed management.
- Excellent analytical, report writing and problem-solving skills.
- Confidence engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including planners, developers, consultants and community members.
- Experience representing organisations at VCAT or similar tribunals will be highly regarded.
- A current Victorian Driver Licence.

If you're passionate about sustainable development and protecting natural environments while delivering practical planning outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or contact Ash on: ************@plannedresources.com.au directly for a confidential discussion.

📌 Environmental Referrals Officer (Melbourne)
🏢 Planned Resources
📍 Melbourne