Specialist Planning Officer

Do you want to help shape the planning and delivery of Victoria's forest and fire management programs?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking a motivated and organised Specialist Planning Officer to join the Specialist Planning team in Gippsland. In this role, you will contribute to the planning of complex and high-priority forest and fire management activities that help protect communities, public land and the environment.

As a Specialist Planning Officer, you will support the development and delivery of tactical forest and fire management plans across the Gippsland region. Working closely with the Senior Specialist Planning Officer and operational teams, you will conduct planning activities that underpin programs such as Strategic Fuel Breaks, hazardous tree treatment and regeneration works.

In this role, you will:

• Contribute to the development of annual forest management planning documentation.
• Undertake planning activities that support the achievement of regional program objectives and performance targets.
• Facilitate the use of the Forestry Contractor Program (FCP) contractors to perform forest management operations including planned burn preparation works.
• Analyse requirements, risks, timelines, compliance obligations and stakeholder needs associated with forest management activities.
• Maintain accurate information within DEECA planning and GIS systems.
• Identify emerging issues and opportunities that may affect program delivery.

We're looking for someone with strong planning and analytical skills, a collaborative approach and a passion for sustainable land management and forest management operations. The ability to build relationships, manage competing priorities and adapt to a dynamic environment will be highly valued.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the sustainable management of Victoria's forests and help deliver positive outcomes for communities and the environment across Gippsland region. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of forest management in Victoria including working knowledge of planning systems
• Demonstrated experience in scoping works and planning for the delivery of forest and fire management activities
• Experience working with planning systems including FMS, eMAP and ArcGIS (or similar) preferred.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Gippsland Region with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact [email protected].

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.