Parks and Open Spaces Supervisor

Tararua District Council; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working environment

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Tararua District Council is seeking a Parks and Open Spaces Supervisor to lead and oversee the Parks and Open Spaces team, ensuring safe, compliant, and community valued spaces through effective contractor management and budget oversight.

You will engage with customers and stakeholders, manage risks, and support evidence-based decision making with autonomy and professional judgment in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Leadership and people management experience.
• Experience managing parks, reserves, recreation, cemeteries, campgrounds or similar operational services.
• Strong contract and supplier management experience.
• Sound understanding of legislation, compliance and health and safety requirements.
• Financial and budget management skills.
• Strong communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a changing environment.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and strong customer/community outcomes.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and relevant business systems.
• A current New Zealand Driver Licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational oversight to the Parks and Open Spaces team.
• Manage contractor performance and supplier relationships.
• Oversee operational budget and financial management.
• Ensure safe, compliant and community valued public spaces.
• Engage with customers and stakeholders.
• Manage operational risks and support evidence-based decision making.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Contract management

Supplier management

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

HMS Office

Driver licence

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

The Parks and Open Spaces Supervisor provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight to the Parks and Open Spaces team. The role is accountable for safe, compliant, financially sustainable and community valued public spaces through effective contractor performance management, asset stewardship, operational budget oversight, customer and stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement. Working with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement, the role manages operational risks, supports evidence-based decision making, and escalates matters beyond delegated authority with clear advice and recommended options.

Key responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and operational oversight to the Parks and Open Spaces team
• Manage contractor performance and supplier relationships
• Oversee operational budget and financial management
• Ensure safe, compliant and community valued public spaces
• Engage with customers and stakeholders
• Manage operational risks and support evidence-based decision making

About you

• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills
• Experience managing parks, reserves, recreation, cemeteries, campgrounds or similar operational services
• Strong contract and supplier management experience
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation, compliance and health and safety requirements
• Financial and budget management skills
• High level of communication, relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a changing operational environment
• Commitment to continuous improvement and strong customer and community outcomes
• Competent using Microsoft Office and relevant business systems
• A current New Zealand Driver Licence

About us

Tararua District Council is an inclusive organisation dedicated to enhancing community wellbeing. We are committed to diversity, have a culture built on trust and valuing individual contributions, and have a strong focus on employee development. We are guided by values of Pono, Whanake, and Whanaungatanga.

What we offer

We offer a flexible working environment, competitive remuneration, and varied learning and career progression opportunities across the wider Council group. You’ll be joining a team of dedicated and respected experts working collaboratively to provide the right outcomes for our communities.

Experience the land of ranges

Tararua offers you the country lifestyle you have always dreamed of. Take advantage of adventure, scenic attractions and country hospitality at its best! If you are keen on tramping, hunting, fishing, or canoeing you will be spoilt for choice. All the facilities are nearby; swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts and championship golf courses.The Tararua District provides an enviable lifestyle and work location.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to join a vibrant team and make a real difference in the Tararua community!

Applications close at 5.00pm on Sunday 20th September 2026