Head of Open Space & Environment - Climate Action Leader

Camden Search; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Merri-bek City Council seeks a seasoned Manager Open Space and Environment to lead the Open Space and Environment branch, guiding design, maintenance and environmental strategy for Melbourne's inner north. You will report to the Director City Infrastructure and sit on the Senior Management Team.

You will manage a $21m annual budget, drive climate resilience, collaborate with Traditional Owners, and engage with Councillors and the community to shape sustainable public spaces.

Qualifications

• Bachelor and/or postgraduate tertiary qualifications in areas such as operational management, horticulture, landscape architecture, public works, engineering or related discipline.
• Extensive senior leadership experience building constructive, inclusive, psychosocially safe and high-performing teams.
• Experience in customer-focused open space planning, environmental strategy development, maintenance, arboriculture, capital works, asset management, and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large multidisciplinary workforce with a safety-first, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Oversee strategies and programs including Urban Forest Strategy, Open Space Strategy, Park Close to Home, Nature Plan, Play Strategy and Moonee Ponds Creek Chain of Ponds.
• Grow canopy cover, protect waterways and natural values, and keep public spaces safe and liveable.
• Deliver open space capital works on time and within budget; contribute to 10-year asset and financial plans.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners on land and waterway management.
• Advise Councillors, the Executive and community with engaged planning and delivery.
• Act as Deputy Municipal Emergency Response Officer.

Skills

Senior leadership

Team leadership

Open space planning

Environmental strategy

Climate resilience

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Project management

Public works

Education

Bachelor degree

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Merri-bek City Council seeks a seasoned Manager Open Space and Environment to lead the Open Space and Environment branch, guiding design, maintenance and environmental strategy for Melbourne's inner north. You will report to the Director City Infrastructure and sit on the Senior Management Team.

You will manage a $21m annual budget, drive climate resilience, collaborate with Traditional Owners, and engage with Councillors and the community to shape sustainable public spaces.