Urban Forest Project Manager (Strategic Planning)
Synopsis
Urban Forest Project Manager (Strategic Planning)
We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market! City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.
About The Role
Shape the Future of Our Urban Forest
Are you passionate about creating greener, healthier cities? Do you thrive in strategic planning and community engagement? Join us in leading the transformation of our urban forest across one of Melbourne’s most iconic inner-city municipalities.
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead the development of Urban Forest Precinct Plans (UFPPs) and drive the implementation of our Urban Forest Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to influence capital projects and strategic outcomes that will shape the city’s biodiversity, canopy cover, and climate resilience for future generations.
You’ll manage all aspects of UFPP development—from consultant coordination and stakeholder engagement to reporting and delivery—ensuring projects meet high standards of quality, budget, and community impact. You’ll also be the go-to expert for strategic urban forest enquiries, working across council teams to embed urban forest principles into planning and delivery.
Why join us
We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.
Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.
What’s In It For You
Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.
Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:
Hit that APPLY button now!
Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to the key selection criteria.
Please submit;
Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 23 November 2025.
The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.
If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Urban Forest Project Manager (Strategic Planning)
- Salary Range Band 7 $111,873 - $125,191 (pro rata) plus 12% Super
- Temporary 18 month, part-time position, 4 days per week.
- Located at St Kilda Town Hall with flexible working arrangements possible.
We are a vibrant and diverse inner-city council stretching 20kms from South to Port Melbourne along the stunning bay beaches down to Elwood and out to St Kilda East with around 1000 people who all work together to deliver more than 100 programs and services to our engaged community of residents, businesses and visitors. What does that mean? Think, childcare, libraries, parks, recreation, waste rubbish collection, road maintenance, family and youth services, property & assets, city planning & development, customer experience, digital technology, governance, people, culture and safety, and of course South Melbourne Market! City of Port Phillip has zero tolerance for child abuse and is a committed Child Safe organisation.
About The Role
Shape the Future of Our Urban Forest
Are you passionate about creating greener, healthier cities? Do you thrive in strategic planning and community engagement? Join us in leading the transformation of our urban forest across one of Melbourne’s most iconic inner-city municipalities.
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to lead the development of Urban Forest Precinct Plans (UFPPs) and drive the implementation of our Urban Forest Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to influence capital projects and strategic outcomes that will shape the city’s biodiversity, canopy cover, and climate resilience for future generations.
You’ll manage all aspects of UFPP development—from consultant coordination and stakeholder engagement to reporting and delivery—ensuring projects meet high standards of quality, budget, and community impact. You’ll also be the go-to expert for strategic urban forest enquiries, working across council teams to embed urban forest principles into planning and delivery.
Why join us
- Lead the creation of eight new UFPPs that will guide tree planting and biodiversity initiatives across the city.
- Collaborate with passionate teams and stakeholders to deliver meaningful environmental outcomes.
- Influence strategic planning and capital works to support a thriving, connected urban forest.
- Be part of a values-driven organisation that celebrates diversity, inclusion, and innovation.
- Lead the development and delivery of UFPPs, ensuring alignment with Council’s strategy, budget, and project management framework.
- Represent the objectives of the Urban Forest Strategy across strategic and capital programs.
- Provide expert advice and support to internal teams, project sponsors, and community stakeholders.
- Drive community engagement and act as the key contact for strategic urban forest matters.
- Tertiary qualifications in urban forestry, landscape architecture, urban planning, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, urban forest or open space projects, and community consultation.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly in reports and presentations.
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to building strong, effective teams.
- Relevant experience in a local government context is desirable.
We love what we do and are all proud to work at the City of Port Phillip. Yes, we are local council, and we are one with vibrancy, passion and ambition who are a welcoming, health conscious, diverse and inclusive. Our Main location at the iconic St Kilda Town Hall offers a heritage and modern open plan hub to work from where people can collaborate and develop both professionally and personally whilst planning and delivering a range of important services and programs to the community.
Proudly as one we all work together, and grow together, thinking creatively and strategically with courage, integrity, and accountability to put our community first.
What’s In It For You
- We offer a hybrid working model with our core setup being 50-60% in the office depending on team requirements and welcome further conversation to meet your working style and needs
- Discounted fitness membership with access to over 260+ gyms, pools, group classes and facilities across Melbourne for you and your family!
- Our work hubs are located close to our very own Child Care centres making accessing childcare a breeze!
- Career development opportunities within your team and/or across council plus a great study assistance allowance of up to $4000 per year per person and 6 hours per week study leave (on approved courses only)
- Flexible working conditions, an active social club, supportive health and wellbeing program, and a well-regarded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Our very own Pride Network, that helps create an environment where each and every person can feel safe, welcomed, seen, and supported to bring their whole selves to work
- 20 weeks paid parental leave and our pioneering 24 weeks paid leave for single parents
- Access to novated leasing and salary sacrificed technology
Pre-employment screening will apply to all appointments.
Prior to a formal letter of offer, preferred applicants will be asked to provide:
- Evidence of mandatory qualifications/registrations/licences,
- Sufficient proof of their right to work in Australia, and
- Sufficient proof of their identity.
- Evidence of a Working with Children Check (employee type with City of Port Phillip registered as the organisation).
- Complete a National Police Check completed via City of Port Phillip’s Provider.
Hit that APPLY button now!
Whether you think you meet all the requirements or not, we strongly encourage you to apply, as we take a holistic approach to considering your skills, life experience, and alignment to the key selection criteria.
Please submit;
- Resume – latest and brief version
- Cover letter - Cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, no longer than 2 pages
Applications close 11.59pm Sunday 23 November 2025.
The City of Port Phillip is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive and accessible environment where diversity is valued. We actively welcome and encourage candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nation and Torres Strait Islander candidates, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and candidates with a disability.
If you have accessibility requirements or require an adjustment to participate in our recruitment and selection process, please contact Yass Mustafa (Recruitment and Employee Experience Advisor) on phone 0468 576 806 or email: recruitment@portphillip.vic.gov.au