Parks Officer

Are you passionate about looking after the places and spaces where Tairāwhiti comes together?

At Gisborne District Council, our parks, reserves, playgrounds and open spaces are at the heart of our communities. From neighbourhood parks to sportsgrounds and coastal reserves, these places connect people, support wellbeing and create opportunities for recreation and events.

We're looking for a dedicated, passionate Parks Officer to ensure our Liveable Spaces are safe, well-maintained and enjoyed by our community.

Mō te tūranga | About the position

This is a varied role that combines field work, project coordination, contractor management, customer service and health and safety. No two days are the same - you could be inspecting playgrounds, working alongside sports clubs and codes, coordinating maintenance projects, responding to community enquiries, reviewing event applications or working alongside contractors to deliver improvements across our parks network.

Ngā Mahi ngā Takohanga Matua rānei | Duties include:

• Monitoring the condition of parks, reserves, sports grounds, playgrounds and community spaces Building strong relationships with contractors, community groups, mana whenua and internal teams
• Coordinating maintenance and improvement works with Council contractors
• Managing Requests for Service (RFS) and responding to customer enquiries
• Assessing applications for park bookings, events, private use of parks and neighbouring fence co-funding
• Leading health and safety coordination within the Liveable Spaces team, including reviewing contractor safety plans and undertaking site audits
• Manage the community leases and licences for Council-owned parks and reserves
• Delivery of small renewal and improvement projects from procurement through to completion
• Provide advice to support future asset planning and investment

Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wheako e Hiahia ana | Skills and experience required:

• Monitoring the condition of parks, reserves, sports grounds, playgrounds and community spaces
• Building strong relationships with contractors, community groups, mana whenua and internal teams
• Coordinating maintenance and improvement works with Council contractors
• Managing Requests for Service (RFS) and responding to customer enquiries
• Assessing applications for park bookings, events, private use of parks and neighbouring fence co-funding
• Leading health and safety coordination within the Liveable Spaces team, including reviewing contractor safety plans and undertaking site audits
• Manage the community leases and licences for Council-owned parks and reserves
• Delivery of small renewal and improvement projects from procurement through to completion
• Provide advice to support future asset planning and investment

Ngā Huanga | Benefits

• Work-life balance: Flexible hours to help you manage personal commitments and maintain wellbeing
• **Wellbeing first:**Ora Day, Piritahi Day, EAP, flu injection, health checks & optional access to our Fitness Passport package
• Whanaungatanga: Waiata group, Te Reo kawhe kōrero, staff events
• Perks: Modern offices, eye exams, Southern Cross discounts, retail perks
• **Growth:**A values-led environment where your development is supported
• Relocation support: Assistance available to help you make the move to Gisborne
• Location: Live and work in stunning Gisborne – close to the beach, rivers and bush

He aha ngā painga o te kaunihera | Why work for Gisborne District Council

Gisborne District Council is one of only six unitary authorities in Aotearoa, meaning we deliver both district and regional council mahi. We’re committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything we do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti.

Our mahi is diverse, from looking after roads, water, rubbish and recycling, to protecting our environment, supporting community facilities like pools, parks and libraries, and shaping the region’s future through planning and governance. With over 500 staff, we’re a team that’s passionate about making Tairāwhiti a thriving place to live, work and play

Me pēhea te tono mai | How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your application via our careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers – Job Vacancies.

For more information, email [email protected]

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and the position will be filled once the right candidate is identified.

To view the full job description, visit our careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers and check the job attachments section.