Parks Officer (Service Delivery)

Queenstown Lakes District Council; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (FT)

Gym/fitness facility discounts

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Queenstown Lakes District Council is seeking a Parks Officer (Service Delivery) to protect and enhance biodiversity across Council land in Queenstown. The role blends hands-on delivery with technical advice, supporting pest control, restoration, and environmental programmes in a dynamic local-government context.

You will work with contractors, iwi, community groups and other agencies to deliver projects aligned with the Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural heritage, conservation or related field.
• At least 3 years' experience in conservation or indigenous biodiversity management.
• Specialist knowledge in freshwater, pest or weed control, or biodiversity areas.
• Proven ability to work with contractors, iwi, community groups and stakeholders.
• Strong project delivery with reporting and budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver biodiversity and restoration programmes across QLDC land.
• Provide specialist advice on biodiversity, freshwater and pest issues.
• Develop planting and ecological restoration plans to protect habitats.
• Coordinate environmental surveying and monitoring to measure outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal/external partners on environmental plans.
• Build relationships with tangata whenua and community groups.
• Prepare technical reports and represent QLDC on environmental groups.
• Liaise with agencies and landowners to sustain biodiversity outcomes.
• Support wildfire seasonal works and community planning initiatives.
• Implement wildfire prevention programs and risk communications.

Skills

Biodiversity management

Pest management

Ecological restoration

Project delivery

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural heritage or related field

Job description

Base Salary + Employee Benefits + Kiwisaver

Live, work, and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same. Every day we provide services, facilities, and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC. Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community. All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for a Parks Officer (Service Delivery) to join our dedicated and knowledgeable Community Services directorate. Working from our Queenstown offices, this a full-time, permanent role.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

As a Parks Officer – Service Delivery, you’ll provide specialist biodiversity and environmental expertise to help protect, restore and enhance the natural environments across QLDC-managed land. Combining hands‑on programme delivery with technical advice, you’ll work across pest and weed management, freshwater, ecological restoration and biodiversity initiatives, while building strong partnerships with contractors, community groups, landowners and other agencies.

• Plan, develop and deliver biodiversity, pest management and ecological restoration programmes across QLDC-managed land.
• Provide specialist technical advice on biodiversity, freshwater, pest plants and animals, and wider natural environment matters.
• Develop and review planting and ecological restoration plans, supporting the protection and enhancement of native habitats and ecosystems.
• Undertake and coordinate environmental surveying, monitoring and investigations to help measure biodiversity outcomes and inform future work.
• Work alongside internal teams and external partners to deliver initiatives aligned with Council’s Climate and Biodiversity Action Plan and other environmental programmes.
• Build collaborative relationships with tangata whenua, community groups, landowners, contractors and government agencies to strengthen biodiversity outcomes across the district.
• Prepare technical and operational reports, contribute to asset management planning and policy development, and represent QLDC on relevant environmental working groups.
• You’ll be representing QLDC to liaise with appropriate agencies & landowners to problem‑solve and maintain collaborative relationships regarding parks management.
• You’ll be the key contact for trusts and community groups to assist with delivery of their strategic plans and operational delivery.
• You’ll be responsible for planning, developing and implementing wildfire seasonal works, including reserve closures, signage and communications on QLDC manage land.
• You’ll be Responsible for implementing the wildfire prevention programme, including reserve closures, early warning systems and other seasonal tasks associated with the wildfire management including distributing material to QLDC staff contractors ensuring awareness of wildfire seasons and wildfire protocols.

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

You’ll bring practical experience in conservation, biodiversity or environmental management, along with the technical knowledge to confidently support biodiversity and pest management programmes. You’ll be comfortable working with a wide range of people, from contractors and community groups through to iwi and other stakeholders, and able to combine strong technical expertise with effective project delivery.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

• A relevant bachelor’s degree in natural heritage, conservation, environmental management or a related field.
• At least 3 years’ experience in conservation or indigenous biodiversity management, and/or planning and delivering plant and animal pest control programmes.
• Specialist knowledge in one or more areas such as freshwater, pest animal control, weed control or indigenous biodiversity management.
• Proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with contractors, iwi, community and volunteer groups, and other stakeholders.
• Strong project delivery skills, including contract and budget management, record keeping, report writing and presentations.
  

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development

We cover the region of Queenstown – Wanaka – Kingston – Glenorchy with a total district population of 54,440. Our workforce is made up of passionate people working across six directorates – Community Services, Planning & Development, Property & Infrastructure, Assurance Finance & Risk, Strategy & Policy, and Corporate Services.

We cover the region of Queenstown – Wanaka – Kingston – Glenorchy with a total district population of 54,440. Our workforce is made up of passionate people working across six directorates – Community Services, Planning & Development, Property & Infrastructure, Assurance Finance & Risk, Strategy & Policy, and Corporate Services.