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Within the Public Sector, there are many different departments and divisions that require very specific knowledge and skills. Which is why at Public Sector People we have a number of consultants who specialise on recruiting for these particular areas- whether Finance and HR or Construction and Engineering. By focusing on one or two disciplines, our consultants can absorb and develop an extensive knowledge on the market and know what organisations are looking for when hiring new talent. Our consultants can then utilise this knowledge to ensure their candidates have the best and most-up-to-date information when applying for roles as well as guiding them to roles that will best match their needs.
One of our key consultants for the Planning and Environment industry is Emma. We’ve provided a little more information on what Emma does at Public Sector People below; how she manages the recruitment process, the relationships she builds with both clients and candidates and the current roles she has available.
Can you explain your role at Public Sector People?
Part of the team at Public Sector People, my role is to manage the recruitment for Planning & Environment roles in Victoria.
What are the types of positions you recruit for?
I recruit for Planning & Environment based roles, typically for contract positions within local council across Victoria. Some of the roles I recruit for are Statutory Planners, Strategic Planners, Urban Designers, Landscape Architects, Planning Compliance Officers and more recently I have been recruiting for Environmental Health Officers too!
What are the types of candidates you ideally look for to fill these roles?
In the current market, ideally we are looking for someone who has previous Local Government experience so that they can hit the ground running when being onboarded remotely. For planners, we are seeking those who are experienced with the Victorian planning scheme and can work autonomously. One positive from Covid is that candidates now have the opportunity to work with councils that they could not have feasibly commuted to before, now that they can work remotely, they can gain experience in areas of Victoria they would not have otherwise.
For active jobseekers, what are the key things your successful applicants have in common ?
Flexibility, reliability, and experience! As a contractor in this market, candidates need to be a bit more flexible with their expectations. Yes, a 12-month contract might be the preference, but if you are not currently working, it does not make sense to turn down a 3 month contract in the hopes something better may come along. Otherwise, you may find yourself out of work for too long.
The ability to manage your own time effectively and use your initiative. As you will be onboarded remotely, you can’t walk up to someone in the office and ask them a question but you can jump on Microsoft Teams and ask. You need to want to make it work and do your best, take pride in your work.
Our Contractors are a reflection of our team at PSP, we need to trust that they will show up when they are supposed to, look after council equipment and do the work they are hired to do. Local government is a small industry, and to be a successful contractor you need to put your best foot forward with everyone you deal with.
What commitment will you make to the active job seekers you choose to work with?
I am open and transparent with those who work with me, I will provide as much insight into each role and team as I can. I am more interested in building long-term relationships than getting a quick win. Often, I will ring people to tell them about jobs I have seen advertised that are not through PSP because I know it's an area they may be interested in. If one of my contractors decides to pursue other opportunities that are not through me as an agent, I will fully support them and their best interests. Ultimately, I want people to feel that they can approach me with any issue without fear of me trying to push them into an opportunity or role that isn’t right for them.
Why is the aftercare stage so important in the recruitment process- especially within urban design and planning?
As we have learned from Covid, things can change very quickly. The purpose of the aftercare stage is to check in and make sure everything is running smoothly. If the workload is manageable, if the person has been inducted correctly, if they feel like they are getting the support they require, if they are enjoying the role, etc. We don’t place people in roles and then leave them to it, we make sure the roles were as originally described and the candidates are getting the support they need.
How do you conduct the aftercare process in the roles you recruit for?
We speak to all our contract staff fortnightly, however, I am always a Call/text/email away if anything urgent crops up. I make a conscious effort to respond as quickly as possible to any of our contractors so they can trust that I will action anything they need ASAP. Oftentimes the aftercare process becomes more of a conversation about how we are coping with lockdown, who is baking what, what’s new on Netflix and little about work actually gets discussed.
We also send out surveys throughout all parts of the recruitment process, so that we can learn from any feedback and improve. The surveys are anonymous but the responses demonstrate that we are doing the right thing by our candidates and clients alike.
Senior Landscape Architect
Location: Melbourne
Contract Type: Contract
Job Summary: A busy metro council is looking for a Senior Landscape Architect to work on the design and delivery of parkland and streetscape upgrades, on a contract basis until June 2021.
Click here for more information
Senior Strategic Planner
Location: Melbourne
Contract Type: Contract
Job Summary: A metro council are looking for a Senior Strategic Planner to translate the planning scheming into the new format required by Smart planning program as part of a six-month contract. The successful applicant would also be working on planning scheme amendments and managing the exhibition and assessment of submissions.
Click here for more information
Environmental Health Officer
Location: Melbourne
Contract Type: Contract
Job Summary: A local council in the South Eastern suburbs are looking for an Environmental Health Officer to competently complete registered premises inspections whilst communicating with local proprietors in a professional manner.
Click here for more information
To find out more about any of the roles listed above, or to reach out to Emma for a confidential chat about the job market within the public sector and her upcoming opportunities within urban panning and design, you can contact her at:
Email: emma@publicsectorpeople.com.au
Phone: 0385353111
PSP are working with a council in the inner suburbs of Melbourne on the recruitment of a Senior Urban Designer. You will be leading a shopping centre improvement program to deliver capital works projects, including all aspects of engagement, consultation, design, documentation and handover for implementation by the projects team. This is a Band 6 role, seeking an immediate start. Will consider applicants from a UD or LA background from public or private sector. Requirements include: Tertiary qualification in landscape architecture, or a related discipline. Demonstrated experience in all facets of the urban and landscape design, documentation and construction and experience in the coordination of projects, and the engagement and supervision of consultants and minor contractors. Highly developed skills in complex site analysis, landscape architecture for communities, placemaking and community consultation. Benefits include: Work in a prestigious inner metro council. Attractive hourly rate. Flexible working hours, working from home. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at PSP on (03) 8535 3111. Alternatively, please e-mail your current resume in Word format using the link below.
Public Sector People are working with a regional council on the recruitment of a Band 6 Planning Officer for a Fixed Term appointment of six months. Due to an increased volume of work, you will be assessing a range of applications, particularly with a rural focus. Joining a large regional council, this is a great opportunity for an experienced Band 5 planner to step up into a Band 6 position. The role will be WFH initially with Covid restrictions and there will be a phased return into the office. This is a Band 6 role, salary starting at $85,320.67 + super. We are open to applicants who are seeking full time or part-time hours. Requirements include: A Town Planning degree or similar Relevant experience in planning, assessing complex development applications and preparing and presenting professional reports within Victoria. Knowledge of relevant planning Acts and statutory planning processes. Previous public sector experience advantageous Benefits include: Full time Fixed term – 6 months $85,320.67 + Super Opportunity for a Band 5 to step into a Band 6 role Start ASAP! For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other planning opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at PSP on (03) 8535 3111. Alternatively, please e-mail your current resume in Word format using the link below.
Public Sector People are working with a regional council who are seeking a Senior Statutory planner for a six month contract role. You will join a large planning team covering a large range of applications, residential, industrial, heritage, native vegetation and bushfire management overlays. The workload has been largely unaffected by Covid and this is a busy council. You will be provided with laptop and equipment to get set up working from home but will be required to do one or two days in the office. Part-time hours will be considered. Requirements include: Tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning or related discipline. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Local Government experience within Victoria, ideally with exposure to heritage and/or growth area planning. Benefits include: Competitive hourly rate on offer. Six month contract. Varied workload with some interesting applications to sink your teeth into. Working from home/working from office balance. Can offer full-time or part-time. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other planning opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at Public Sector People on (03) 8535 3111. Alternatively, please e-mail your current resume in Word format using the link below.
Public Sector People are working with a South East council in metro Melbourne who are seeking a Senior Landscape Officer on a contract basis. You will be assessing and approving large landscape detail design and construction packages. You will be working from initially and likely continue to work from home for majority of the contract due to Covid capacity restrictions. This is a Band 6 role, paying between $40 - $55 p/h + super, depending on experience. Requirements: Knowledge and experience in assessing and approving landscape detail design documentation packages Experience and understanding of public realm landscape design Qualifications in Landscape Architecture, or equivalent. National Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check to be undertaken if successful in role. Apply for this role using the relevant links, using an updated copy of your CV. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other planning opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at Public Sector People on (03) 8535 3111.
Public Sector People are working with a regional council on the recruitment of a Strategic Planning Coordinator role. This is a fixed term contract for a period of six months. Leading a team of three strategic planners, you will mentor a team responsible for guiding the development and implementation of Council policy and action in respect to a wide range of land use and strategic planning matters. This is an opportunity for someone in a principal role ready to step into a coordinator role, or for someone who is relocating to Melbourne and seeking a senior level position in a local council. This is a Band 7 role and the salary is $92K – 102K + super. Requirements include: Tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning or related discipline. At least five years’ experience within Urban Planning or a related field. The successful candidate will need to undergo a police check and a Working With Children’s check. Benefits include: Take the next step in your Planning Career! Work within a very busy regional council. Flexible working hours. Six month fixed term contract. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at Public Sector People on (03) 8535 3111. Alternatively, please e-mail your current resume in Word format using the link below.
PSP is currently seeking a Project Landscape Architect for a three month contract role with a NFP. This organisation has an increased volume of projects and there is plenty of scope within this role. You will be responsible preparing design development and contract documentation of various grave infrastructure projects. The contract documentation will be suitable for tendering to an open market. In addition, you will be required to liaise with associated internal departments to ensure the delivery of the project is aligned with our project management methodology. This is suited to an LA with 5+ years’ experience. The role requires both autonomy and initiative to prepare comprehensive tender construction documentation packages. The role will likely be a mix of working from home and office contact 1-2 days per week at the office. Requirements include: A tertiary qualification in Landscape Architecture or other associated profession is preferred. Highly skilled in AutoCAD and assembling design documentation packages for tender purposes. Able to critique design engineering and functionality. Victorian Drivers Licence Benefits include: Secure three-month contract. Supply of IT hardware, support and other requirements to happily enable proficiency. Add to your portfolio and experience with an organisation that covers a wide variety of landscape types and conditions. Start ASAP! Please apply using the relevant link. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at Public Sector People on (03) 8535 3111.
Public Sector People are working with a local metro council on the recruitment of a Band 5 statutory planner for a maternity leave contract. The contract is until December 2021. This council are undergoing massive growth and this is a great opportunity for a planner seeking exposure to growth area planning. You will be joining a team with an excellent culture, very friendly and supportive. This council have a strong customer service focus, so would suit a planner who knows the importance of providing a first class service to applicants and residents. You will be managing a caseload of basic applications, residential, industrial and commercial. This role is suitable for someone with at least six months local government experience. You will be continuing to work from home with one or two days in the office for the foreseeable. This is a fantastic council to join from both a cultural perspective and for career development. Requirements include: Tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning or related discipline. Local Government experience, ideally within Victoria. Excellent customer service skills and ensure a great experience for applicants. Benefits include: Long term contract role. Excellent team culture. Working from home and Office balance. A council with diverse planning issues, not just rescode. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other planning opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at PSP on (03) 8535 3111. Alternatively, please e-mail your current resume in Word format using the link below.
Public Sector People are currently recruiting a Band 5 planner for a regional council, commuting distance from the City. This is an initial three month contract. You will be working on planning applications for assessment of medium density, rural single dwellings, rural subdivisions, commercial and industrial developments. Great opportunity to get a foot in with a busy council. To be successful you must have some Local Government experience, either from a student placement or in a professional capacity. This is an office based role, so you will need to be willing to be office based. Requirements Include: Tertiary qualification in Town Planning, Urban Studies, Environmental Planning or related discipline. Or in the process of completing a tertiary qualification. Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written. You must be available to work full time through the holiday period. Benefits Include: Three month contract, with opportunity for this to be extended. Get a foot in the door with a busy council. Immediate start. $35 - $40 p/h + super Please apply with your most recent CV. For a confidential discussion regarding this position and other opportunities within Metropolitan and Regional Victoria, please contact Emma Murphy at PSP on (03) 8535 3111.