Parks & Open Spaces Planner

Marlborough District Council; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 96,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life and income protection insurance

Health insurance

Enhanced leave and superannuation

Relocation support

Job summary

Marlborough District Council in Blenheim is seeking a Parks & Open Spaces Planner to drive the development of strategic policies for parks, reserves and recreation, and manage planning processes including the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan. You will work with communities, iwi, and elected members to deliver meaningful outcomes.

The role offers a full-time 40-hour week at the Blenheim office, with a focus on collaboration, evidence-based planning, and delivering high-quality community services.

Qualifications

• Degree in Parks, Recreation Management or Resource Management Planning or related field.
• Experience in leading Local Government consultation and engagement.
• Strong relationship management and communication skills; ability to present to council and community.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and review strategies, policies, and plans for parks assets, programs and partnerships.
• Provide well-researched advice on reserves and open spaces management to staff and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver practical outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Presentation skills

Policy planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Parks/Recreation/Resource Management or related field

Job description

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Marlborough District Council - Blenheim, South Island

Property, Roading & Community Facilities Department

We are looking for a Parks & Open Spaces Planner to join our passionate team. This role is crucial to the development of strategy, implementation of parks and recreation policies, and reserve management plans to support Council's vision for Marlborough's green space areas. This is your chance to lead work in driving planning processes within this area, including the Long-Term Plan, and Annual Plan, in collaboration with other areas within Council and stakeholders.

Whether you're experienced recreational planner or a recent graduate ready to start your planning career or looking to lead planning and policy work, we'd love to hear from you. You'll work alongside a knowledgeable and supportive team, engaging with communities, iwi, stakeholders and elected members to deliver meaningful outcomes.

The individual will demonstrate confidence in communicating at all levels of Council and in the community, while exhibiting extensive written and presentation skills.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading, developing and reviewing strategies, policies, and plans for parks assets, programs, and partnerships.
• Providing well-researched and reasoned advice on reserves and open spaces management to staff and key stakeholders, serving as an internal expert.
• Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to deliver practical outcomes.

This is a full-time role, for 40 hours per week, based at our Blenheim office.

We're committed to building an inclusive, respectful workplace where diversity is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We welcome people from all backgrounds and support equitable opportunities, open-minded collaboration, and the growth of cultural understanding.

To enable our people to succeed and make an impact, we offer:

• Life and income protection insurance, health insurance, enhanced leave and superannuation (conditions apply); and relocation support where applicable
• A Salary range of $96,000 to $124,000 per annum FTE (this will depend on the knowledge, skills and experience you have to offer)
• Strong health, safety and wellbeing focussed culture
• EAP support, wellness initiatives and access to Marlborough Chamber of Commerce retail discounts
• Meaningful work that supports our people and community.

Ideally you will hold or be working towards a degree or relevant tertiary qualification in Parks, Recreation Management or Resource Management Planning or another relevant field. You'll come with a solutions-focused mindset, and a knack for relationship-building. You'll be passionate about contributing to a positive team environment while delivering excellent community service.

Our ideal candidate will bring:

• Experience in leading Local Government consultation and engagement, and familiar with corporate planning processes, functions and legislation.
• A proven track record in managing and delivering complex management plans, policies and reports.
• Exceptional relationship management and communication skills including being comfortable presenting in council and community settings.
• A proactive desire to take ownership, lead with initiative and make the role what you want it to be.
• Specific knowledge of Reserves Act, RMA, Local Government Act and Freedom Camping Act would be preferable.

If you're ready to contribute your expertise while being a passionate, results-driven individual, our team could be the perfect fit for you. We invite you to explore this position further.

Marlborough District Council is a dynamic, progressive organisation which prides itself on the professionalism it brings to managing a wide range of functions. Our vision is that over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for its quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environment.

Marlborough is unique for many reasons. The region offers an array of outdoor pursuits in a distinctive and picturesque landscape. With the Marlborough Sounds, the land and sea offer unlimited accessibility for sport and leisure.

Applications close 5.00 pm on Sunday, 6 September 2026.

We're committed to ensuring our team goes home safe every day. Preferred candidates will be required to complete preemployment checks to the employer's satisfaction. These checks may include, but are not limited to, a criminal history check, confirmation of the right to work in New Zealand, and drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive roles.