Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) Specialist

  • 493369
  • Cheltenham, VIC, Australia
  • City Strategy & Design
  • Full time
  • Closing on: Jul 14 2026
View favourites

Download File Job Task Analysis - City Development Officer.PDF

  • Step into a rewarding role and join us in making a difference!
  • Fixed term tenure until 3rd September 2027
  • Flexible working / Hybrid options available (average 2 days working from home)
  • Band 7 $113,526 - $127,181 per annum, plus superannuation (dependent on experience)
  • Location: Cheltenham Office at 1230 Nepean Hwy, Cheltenham

About the team

The City Development team plays a vital role in shaping the future of Kingston through assessing development applications, implementing planning policies and ensuring compliance with planning regulations.  We strive to create liveable, sustainable communities that meet the needs of our residents.

About this opportunity

We are looking for an Ecologically Sustainable Design (ESD) Specialist to support Kingston’s Climate and Ecological Emergency Response Plan through the transformation of Kingston’s built environment.

In this role, you will develop and deliver a program of work aimed at empowering architects, homeowners, developers, builders and representative organisations to apply ecologically sustainable design principles over and above existing planning regulations and Code requirements to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

This will involve establishing a strong foundation for ESD within Kingston’s existing statutory and strategic planning systems.

What you’ll deliver

  • Process Development, Implementation and Monitoring
  • Including compiling technical planning referral advice data in relation to internal / external development applications and analyse and update processes and systems aimed at improving ESD outcomes
  • Develop and implement an internal training and mentoring program to ensure consistent implementation of Council’s ESD requirements (environment legislation, guidelines and built environment rating tools such as BESS) and that this be continuously improved and adapted for the relevant audiences.
  • Monitor the effectiveness of ESD controls on CO2 emissions in the built environment

Internal and External Stakeholder engagement

  • Represent Council at key organisational forums including the Council Association for Sustainable Built Environment (CASBE)
  • Foster relationships with key developers to progress adoption of ESD outcomes.
  • Work closely with other City Development staff, including statutory planners and planning compliance officers to ensure a high level of ESD compliance across all planning applications.

Leadership and Mentoring

  • Enhance Kingston’s reputation and move us towards a leadership position in climate mitigation, urban cooling and water sensitive urban design.

Your Skills and Experience

  • A tertiary qualification in sustainable design, environmental engineering, environmental science or allied disciplines.
  • Several years of Council, particularly statutory planning experience is preferred.
  • Experience in Carbon Management and/or Accounting, desirable.
  • Experience in site-based activities including audit and construction management, desirable

The right candidate will be able to demonstrate the City of Kingston’s values of:

We make a difference ǀ We show care and respect ǀ We take pride in our work ǀ We are better together

Don’t meet every single requirement for this role? At Kingston Council, we recognise that different experiences make for great community outcomes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly align to the criteria we encourage you to submit your application.

How to Apply

To learn more about this role, please view the full Position Description on our Careers website

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and how it relates to the role. To apply, please click the ‘Apply’ button.

All applications must be submitted online through our careers portal.  Please note that we do not accept applications or inquiries from recruitment agencies

Enquiries:

For any enquiries about the position, please contact, Jennifer Pippo or Rosanne Massey, Team Leaders, Statutory Planning at jennifer.pippo@kingston.vic.gov.au or rosanne.massey@kingston.vic.gov.au

To be considered for this role, applicants must have the legal right to work in Australia.

For any reasonable adjustments or access needs during the application or interview process, please contact the Hiring Manager or email us at peopleandculture@kingston.vic.gov.au

About Kingston 

Kingston Council’s collective focus is on delivering exceptional service that achieves our vision and meets community expectations. 

We are an inclusive, resilient community with a thriving economy, where we all share a safe, sustainable environment. The City of Kingston is south-east of Melbourne and is approximately 20km from Melbourne's CBD. We employ over 1,600 people in a diverse range of roles including engineering, customer service, administration, finance, family, youth and children's services, sport and recreation, health, parks and gardens, planning, arts and management.

Why you’ll love working for us?

At Kingston Council, we believe in fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We support diversity and encourage applications from persons of all backgrounds. Here are some reasons why you might love working with us: 

  • Hybrid work options – average 2 days working from home (or pro rata)
  • Flexible Work Options, including remote and work flexible work hours
  • Yearly annual leave loading payment of 17.5% of base salary (excludes casual staff, sessional staff and Senior Officers)
  • Learning and development opportunities through professional development programs
  • Access to accrued day off every four weeks (Full time employees only)
  • Salary Packaging
  • Purchase leave options
  • Career development opportunities,
  • Study/development assistance
  • Discounted gym memberships
  • 16 weeks paid parental leave for both primary and partner carers
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Social club events
  • Close to Public transport
  • Free Onsite parking

For further information visit our website Join our team - City of Kingston

Kingston City Council is an equal opportunity employer, committed to reconciliation and being a child safe organisation.

We are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing people of all genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages.

Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. We support adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. 

 

 

Recommended jobs

Early Years Room Leader

Carrum Family, Youth & Children's Services
Lead a dynamic early years room, guiding educators, shaping curriculum, and ensuring smooth, high‑quality daily operations

Building Programming Officer

Cheltenham City Works
Support building upkeep and upgrades, coordinating daily maintenance and minor works to keep Council assets safe, functional and improving.

Civil Asset Inspector

Dingley City Works
Our City Works team at Kingston Council is has an opportunity for a Civil Asset Inspector. In this hands-on, outdoor role, the successful candidate will inspect and maintain local roads and assets, with a real and lasting impact on community infr...

Drainage Maintenance Crew

Dingley City Works
Our City Works team at Kingston Council has an opportunity for a Drainage Maintenance Crew member. Come and join our team in a hands-on field role, to help keep Kingston's drainage network functioning safely and effectively for our community.

Financial Accounts Assistant

Mentone AccessCare
Join a purpose‑driven aged‑care finance team, supporting accurate accounts and quality care for older people across our community

Family & Children's Centre Cook

Carrum Family, Youth & Children's Services
Exciting opportunity to step into a role with purpose, stability and genuine work–life balance. Join our team as a Centre Cook!