The role

See more about the role below, including the responsibilities and skills we are looking for.



Recreation Planner

Footscray, Australia

Reference: 6852551

  • Permanent Full-Time
  • Band 6 ($97273 - $105,392) + 12% super + monthly ADO
  • Footscray, Melbourne

About Us

Maribyrnong City Council is undergoing significant change arising from population growth and redevelopment. A transitioning economy is leading to an influx of new residents, businesses, and employment opportunities that is seeing Maribyrnong fast becoming a sought after residential, recreation and social destination in Melbourne's inner-west.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a motivated and community-focused Recreation Planner to join the Recreation and Open Space team on a permanent basis. This role will drive the planning, improvement and future direction of sport and recreation facilities and services within our municipality.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop, implement and monitor strategies, plans and policies that provide the capacity for increased levels of physical activity and higher quality sport and recreation facilities for the residents of Maribyrnong.
  • Gather data to identify industry trends and emerging issues relating to community activities and interests that will inform projects and future sport and recreation priorities.
  • Undertake and contribute to research, assessment and analysis of expectations, needs and demands of the community, relating to the provision of sport and recreation facilities.
  • Coordinate and implement sport and recreation projects through the planning, feasibility, and master plan phases including the management of external consultants, project timelines and budgets.

About You

To be considered for this role, you will have the following:

  • Tertiary qualification in Recreation Planning, Sports Management or a discipline relevant to the role.
  • Demonstrated experience in the provision of sport and recreation services and facilities.
  • Proven ability to think strategically, analyse complex situations, develop creative solutions and achieve outcomes.
  • Ability to determine the allocation of time and resources to manage a range of complex, concurrent projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships to gain cooperation and assistance within an organisation.
  • Demonstrated experience in community consultation and stakeholder management
  • Valid Working with Children Check
  • No relevant criminal record found in a police check.

Why Choose Maribyrnong?

  • Work cross functionally in a friendly, supportive and professional multidisciplinary team;
  • Enjoy a flexible work environment;
  • Work in a meaningful role within a Values driven organisation;
  • Relish a vibrant foodie hub at your doorstep;
  • Take an Accrued Day Off every month

So, if you are looking for a role where you can make a genuine difference and you enjoy working in a diverse community focused environment, Apply Now!

How to Apply

To apply for this job go to: https://maribyrnong.recruitmenthub.com.au/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6852551.

Applications close 01 February 2026 at 10pm.

To express your interest in this role, please forward your resume and a cover letter, outlining your relevant experience and addressing the Key Selection Criteria defined in the position description, in support of your application.

Enquiries: For further queries, please contact Grant Smethurst, Coordinator Strategy and Policy on 9688 0343, for a confidential discussion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Maribyrnong City Council (Council) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people and to operating in a manner that complies with its obligations under the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 and the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Council promotes an organisational culture that embeds within it child safe practices and expects its staff to perform their roles and engage with the community in a manner that is consistent with its child safe practices. To guide expected standards of child safe behaviours of all staff, Council has a Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy.

As part of the appointment process, Council may undertake appropriate child safety pre-screening checks of candidates in accordance with Council Child Safety policies and procedures where appropriate. This may include asking child safety-related questions during interview, conducting relevant checks of the candidate's prior contact with children in employment and/or requiring proof of a valid Working With Children Check prior to commencement.

Council welcomes applications from all interested candidates including from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities. Council's recruitment process will be reasonably adapted to ensure all candidates have equitable access to Council's recruitment process and job opportunities.


Applications Close: 01 Feb 2026



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