Coordinator Open Space

South Gippsland Shire Council; Leongatha; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Rostered Days Off for full-time

Professional development

Diversity and inclusion

Wellbeing programs

Career progression

Employee assistance program

Leave purchasing options

Annual pay increments

Job summary

South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking a Coordinator Open Space to lead Parks & Gardens, Urban Tree, Public Amenities and Landscaping across the municipality. You will provide strategic and operational leadership, drive asset management, and ensure safe, high-quality service delivery for our diverse open space network.

You will manage budgets, coordinate maintenance and projects, and engage with community stakeholders to achieve council objectives and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Experience leading parks/open space teams and delivering services across a municipality.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong operational management for maintenance programs and service delivery.
• Effective stakeholder engagement with community, contractors and internal teams.
• Budget management, procurement and contract oversight.
• Knowledge of asset management principles for public spaces.
• Commitment to safety, regulatory compliance and wellbeing standards.
• Clear written and verbal communication for reporting and advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead Parks & Gardens, Urban Tree, Public Amenities and Landscaping teams to deliver safe, high-quality services.
• Develop and monitor maintenance schedules, programs and inspections for assets.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives like Asset Management Plans and Renewal Programs.
• Provide leadership in asset management using data and condition assessments.
• Manage customer inquiries, service requests and complex issues with timely resolutions.
• Oversee budget development, expenditure and contractor management.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Operational management

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Asset management

Safety

Problem solving

Communication

Job description

About The Role

• Ongoing Full - Time
• Band 7
• Fortnightly RDOs

The Coordinator Open Space is a key leadership role within the Open Space and Environment team, responsible for coordinating the delivery of parks, gardens, urban tree management, public amenities, landscaping and open space services across the municipality. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to multiple teams, ensuring high-quality service delivery, effective asset management, legislative compliance, and a strong focus on safety, community outcomes and continuous improvement. The Coordinator Open Space works closely with managers, staff, contractors, community stakeholders and other Council departments to enhance public open spaces and support Council's long-term environmental and asset management objectives.

Key responsibilities include

• Lead and coordinate the Parks & Gardens, Urban Tree, Public Amenities and Landscaping teams to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality services across Council's open space network.
• Develop, implement and monitor operational programs, maintenance schedules and inspection activities to ensure Council assets are maintained to agreed standards.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, including the Open Space Asset Management Plan, Tree Management Plan and Electrical Line Clearance Plan.
• Provide leadership in asset management, using data, inspections and condition assessments to inform maintenance priorities, capital works programs and long-term financial planning.
• Manage customer and community enquiries, service requests and complex issues, ensuring timely resolutions and positive stakeholder outcomes.
• Oversee financial performance, including budget development, expenditure management, procurement processes and contractor management. [
• Promote a positive safety culture by ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, Council policies and best-practice health, safety and wellbeing standards
• Support the Manager Open Space and Environment through strategic advice, report writing, business case development, cross-department collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate the following capabilities and experience:

• An experienced leader with demonstrated experience in parks, gardens, open space, landscaping, civil maintenance or a related industry.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Strong operational management skills, with experience coordinating maintenance programs, projects and service delivery activities.
• Well-developed stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships with community members, contractors, government agencies and internal stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets, resources and contracts to achieve organisational objectives and deliver value for money outcomes.
• Sound knowledge of asset management principles, including the planning, maintenance and renewal of public infrastructure and open space assets.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with strong problem-solving, decision-making and continuous improvement capabilities.
• A commitment to workplace health and safety, regulatory compliance and the delivery of high-quality customer-focused services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, provide professional advice and present information to a range of audien

About Us

South Gippsland Shire Council offers a friendly and professional workplace with values based leadership.

We put our customer at the centre of all we do and strive to deliver exceptional projects and services to our community.

Our region provides a perfect blend of coast and country. Enjoy green rolling hills, wind-swept beaches and the world-famous Wilsons Prom, right on your doorstep.

Our values - Accountability, Customer Focus and Excellence - are present in everything we do and how we do it. We seek like-minded colleagues to join our team who are committed to these values and culture.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING WITH US!

• Work-life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Rostered Days Off offered for full time roles
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities
• South Gippsland is an organisation that is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We offer flexibility and a welcoming work environment
• Enjoy a variety of changing health and well-being programs and initiatives including flu vaccinations and health checks, discounted gym memberships and Social Club
• Diverse range of exciting career paths in full time, part time or casual positions
• Mentoring, coaching and secondments
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Opportunity to purchase additional leave
• Annual Enterprise Agreement salary increments
• Family Violence Support and Leave Provisions

CLOSING DATE

Applications close 11.59PM 8 November 2026

CONTACT

Enquiries to: Nina Barry - Macaulay, Manager Open Space & Environment on 0437 585 838

Please be advised any representation via an agency will not be considered. Agencies - no need to contact us, we've got this one.

South Gippsland Shire Council is an Equal Opportunity employer and aims to provide all necessary support to ensure that all abilities and backgrounds are not disadvantaged in the recruitment process. If you require an adjustment to the recruitment process, please feel free to identify yourself as a person with different needs in your application and indicate what type of reasonable adjustment you require. Alternatively you can contact a member of the People & Culture team on 03 5662 9233 and identify the position you are applying for and specify your requirements.

All councillors, employees, students, agency staff, contractors and volunteers are required to act in accordance with equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, harassment, vilification and child safety legislation. South Gippsland Shire Council is committed to safeguarding children and young people. We all have a responsibility to ensure our workplaces are respectful, safe and inclusive and free of all forms of unlawful and unacceptable behaviours. By applying for this role you agree to the above.