Parks Officer (Contracts) - Central Otago (QLDC)

Lakes District Council is at the very heart of a dynamic community. Our services are essential to the people in our region and include infrastructure development, community recreational facilities and planning, building and other regulatory services.

We’re proud to be QLDC, and in response to the growth the district has experienced over recent years, QLDC has itself experienced substantial growth. We genuinely believe in developing our people and providing them with all the tools and opportunities needed to succeed.

About the role:
In this role, you'll be one of two Officers managing Parks maintenance contracts across the district, covering a broad portfolio including playgrounds, hygiene, sports fields, horticulture, amenity turf, tracks and trails, arboriculture and more. You’ll be responsible for contract delivery as well as other associated programs like pest plant control, sports field renovation, asset renewals, and minor works.

With strong time management and the ability to juggle competing priorities, you'll be able to work independently while contributing to wider Parks team activities—supporting asset inspections, community engagement, landscape design reviews, and service requests, bringing your expertise to ensure high-quality, responsive service delivery.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Contract management across Parks & Reserves, ensuring quality, budget, and service levels are met.
• Responding to request for service submissions from the community.
• Monitoring performance and managing risks, reporting on KPIs and driving continuous improvement.
• Building strong relationships with contractors, internal teams, and the community.
• Managing procurement for maintenance and renewal projects, ensuring value and compliance.
• Delivery of other work programs parallel to maintenance contracts.

What we offer:
We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

What you'll bring:
You will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the industry directly related to managing large maintenance contracts either in civil or open spaces and will be familiar with general civil construction practices. You will come with the ability to quickly establish a presence on the ground and lead from the front line while building genuine relationships with key stakeholders.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A relevant Bachelor’s degree
• Relevant qualifications and subject matter expertise (project management, turf, horticultutre, civil areas)
• Proven experience managing large contracts under NZS 3910/3917

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Adrian Hoddinott, Parks Operations - Contracts Manager, on [email protected]

Applications close: Tuesday 6th May

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application