Contracts Officer (Parks & Reserves) - 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:
We’re looking for a Contracts Officer to join our dedicated and knowledgeable team and manage the delivery of our contracts associated with Parks and Reserves across the district. This role is key in managing the Tracks and Trails Maintenance Contract across our District. This is a fantastic opportunity to make an impact on delivering for our community.

Trails connect our communities and, in this role, you'll be specifically managing the Tracks and Trails maintenance contracts across the district. You’ll be responsible for all associated activities in line with best practice contract management. With strong time management and the ability to juggle competing priorities, you'll be able to work independently while contributing to the wider Parks team activities— supporting asset inspections, community engagement, design reviews, and service requests. All whilst bringing your expertise to ensure high-quality, responsive service delivery.

Responsibilities of the role:

• Contract management and project management 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, and value for money.
• 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 including new assets that are being vested to Parks from developers and undertaking work identified through network condition assessments and minor works.

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.
• An opportunity to play a part in the ongoing delivery of one of the communities’ most valued assets.

What you'll bring:
You will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the industry directly related to the management and delivery of large maintenance and/or civil contracts and/or projects. You will know your way around the national guidelines on structures and quickly learn the QLDC Code of Practice and QLDC Trail Guidelines. 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. Relevant experience in hard surfaces like AC will also allow you to make an impact in this space and ensure that what is delivered is what is required.

You’ll have:

• A relevant tertiary level bachelor’s degree.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the industry working across the delivery of large maintenance and/or civil contracts and/or projects.
• Relevant qualifications and subject matter expertise in all or either; engineering, project management, civil construction (trails, bridges, engineered retaining, metaled surfaces, boardwalks) and procurement.
• 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: Friday, 18th July 2025.

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