Mean Mahi | Senior Parks Officer

Our green spaces, parks, and reserves are not just nice-to-haves. They’re instrumental to our wellbeing, literally our “grass roots,” the places where we connect to one another and nature. As the Livable Spaces name at Gisborne District Council suggests, these spaces improve the live-ability of our communities. (Just for a second, to imagine our city and townships without these spaces is to glimpse something grim.) 

Gizzy Local are excited to share this new Mean Mahi listing. Council are recruiting for the full-time role of Senior Parks Officer. Do you have the right passions and skills to oversee this vital part of our lives and ensure that these spaces are the best they can be and accessible for all of us? 

The Senior Parks Officer leads the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and improvement of these Liveable Spaces across the Gisborne operational area. You’ll oversee contractors, deliver minor capital projects, and provide expert advice to ensure our parks and community facilities are safe, vibrant, and accessible for everyone.

This role is a frontline link between Council, contractors, and the community, problem-solving operational issues while building strong relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi, and other stakeholders.

Senior Parks Officer

Lead, protect, and enhance the spaces that make our community thrive.

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

GDC are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in asset maintenance, parks, recreation, or community facilities (minimum 7 years)

• Skilled in managing contractors, projects, budgets, and service delivery

• Confident in fostering strong relationships with the community, iwi, hapū, and stakeholders

• Strategic and solution-focused, with excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills

• Physically fit to access diverse terrains and outdoor worksites

Qualifications & Desirable Experience:

• Bachelor-level qualification in horticulture, parks management, business administration or related field

• Valid driver’s licence

• Experience with asset management systems, spreadsheets, databases, and project management tools

• Understanding of local government, auditing processes, or Te Tiriti o Waitangi application is an advantage

 As Senior Parks Officer, your leadership and expertise will directly shape these spaces, ensuring safe, high-quality, and well-loved parks and community facilities across Gisborne.

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 jabs, 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 they deliver both district and regional council mahi. They're committed to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weaving te ao Māori into everything they do, and making a real difference for the people and places of Tairāwhiti.

Their 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, they’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

Help care for Tairāwhiti’s liveable spaces – apply today.

For more information, email recruitment@gdc.govt.nz

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 their careers page: www.gdc.govt.nz/council/careers and check the job attachments section.