Position overview
* Permanent, Full-Time opportunity
* True hybrid working – work from home and our Mitcham office
* $152,582 Total Remuneration Package (inclusive of 12% superannuation)
Are you looking for a role where you can help shape the future of water, Country and community?
Are you someone who thrives on collaboration, systems thinking and turning big ideas into lasting impact?
Join Yarra Valley Water’s Planning for Country team – a passionate group changing the way we think about long term water planning, guided by the deep reciprocity of nature, Country and cultural values.
We’re seeking a Senior Strategic Planner to guide how we care for Country, community and culture through our long-term assets, partnerships and investments.
This is your chance to make a real difference – weaving together environmental sustainability, cultural values, innovation and community resilience to create a healthier, more connected future.
About us
We’re on a mission to create a brighter future, where you can be a change maker at the actual source. We’re one of Australia’s largest water utilities with over 30% of Victoria’s population relying on us for their essential water and sanitation services.
Our award-winning culture fosters an inclusive, collaborative, and flexible environment that enables our people to thrive. Here, you’ll be inspired and challenged to grow alongside us.
We're committed to reconciliation and supporting the self-determined role for Traditional Owners/Custodians in water and land management.
The role
You’ll play a key role in long-term asset and service planning, embedding strategic objectives that balance cultural, environmental, social and economic outcomes across the whole water cycle.
Working in partnership is central to this role – you’ll collaborate with Traditional Owners, internal teams, regulators, industry peers and community partners to co-create integrated planning approaches that reflect shared values and aspirations.
You’ll bring foresight and creativity to explore new frontiers – from circular economy models and decentralised systems to nature-based solutions and land restoration.
Your key responsibilities
* Lead the development of service plans and partnerships that integrate cultural, environmental, social, technical, and commercial drivers – achieving measurable outcomes aligned with YVW’s strategy.
* Embed Planning for Country principles, Traditional Owner knowledge systems and nature-positive approaches into the planning and stewardship of our services.
* Shape the future of water systems through co-design and co-investment across traditional and alternative water planning.
* Use foresight and scenario planning tools to identify emerging risks, opportunities, and innovations – helping YVW stay ahead of change.
* Pilot innovative approaches to sustainable water management – including renewable energy integration, circular systems, and conservation-based design.
* Build strong, trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, regulators, partners, and communities to deliver shared outcomes and enduring public value.
What we’re looking for
You’re a forward thinker who can connect big-picture strategy to practical outcomes. You bring curiosity, collaboration and courage to tackle complexity - and a genuine commitment to caring for Country and community.
You’ll also bring:
* Strong partnership-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Proven experience in identifying and managing risks and opportunities.
* Solid understanding of environmental and planning regulations.
* Cultural competency and experience working with Traditional Custodians (or equivalent skills).
* Experience developing and implementing policy or strategy (ideally in water, environment, or infrastructure).
* Desirable: experience in nature-based solutions, built ecology, or conservation land management.
* Desirable: skills in co-design, strategic facilitation, or visioning processes.
To view the full position description, click HERE.
Why Yarra Valley Water?
We celebrate and encourage new thinking at every level. Creating opportunities for you to grow – both professionally, and personally. When you flourish, we all do.
* $152,582 Total Remuneration Package per annum (inclusive of 12% superannuation)
* Flexible working arrangements where our people are empowered to design their days with their team. Read our hybrid playbook HERE.
* Free and secure on-site parking with on-site café at our Mitcham office
* 14 weeks paid leave parental leave
* 15 days paid personal leave, which can be used for caring, wellbeing, mental health, menstrual or menopause
* Request to swap certain public holidays for another day of paid leave
To read more about our benefits and culture, read our employee handbook HERE.
Did you know?
Research shows that men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, while women and other marginalised people tend to only apply when they meet all of them. So, if you think you have what it takes, but don't necessarily tick every box, please apply or get in touch. We'd love to have a chat and see if you could be a great fit.
How to apply
Applications should include a supporting Cover Letter and Resume.
Closing date: Sunday, 30th November 2025
This position is available for Yarra Valley Water employees and external applicants.
For further information about the role, please contact:
Taegen Hannah – taegen.hannah@yvw.com.au
Kathryn Naylor – kathryn.naylor@yvw.com.au
We welcome applications from everyone, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, mature age and young job seekers, members of the LGBTIQA+ community and people of all cultural backgrounds. If you need this information in an accessible format or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Please call 03 9872 2542 or email dei@yvw.com.au. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss the recruitment process, please contact us via email recruit@yvw.com.au.
Successful applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and agree to provide information for pre-employment checks, if required for the position. This may also include a Police Check or AusCheck, where an offer will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of these checks.
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