Technical Officer - Parks, Assets and Playgrounds

Talent Propeller Limited; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Whangārei District Council is seeking a practical Technical Officer to manage the maintenance, renewal and performance of parks, playgrounds and recreation assets in the district.

You will plan, deliver and monitor maintenance, renewal and minor capital works programmes, coordinating with contractors, consultants and internal teams to ensure safe, well-maintained public spaces for our communities.

Qualifications

• NZQA Level 4+ qualification in parks, recreation, open space management, asset management or related discipline.
• 3–5 years’ experience in parks, recreation, open space, playgrounds, or related asset management/contract delivery.
• Experience with contracts, procurement and service delivery reporting is preferred.
• Strong communication, customer focus and collaborative work style.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, administer and monitor contracts for parks, assets and playground maintenance and renewal works.
• Support asset management planning with condition data, lifecycle planning and budget inputs.
• Monitor contractor performance through inspections, audits and reporting.
• Identify asset risks and opportunities and help prioritise works by safety and community need.
• Manage public enquiries and maintain constructive stakeholder relationships.
• Promote safe, accessible and well cared-for public spaces.

Skills

Contract administration

Contractor monitoring

Procurement processes

Service delivery reporting

Asset management planning

Financial awareness

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

NZQA Level 4+ qualification in parks/recreation/open space management/asset management

Job description

Technical Officer - Parks, Assets and Playgrounds

Whangarei District Council

Whangārei District Council is looking for a practical, community-minded Technical Officer to help manage the maintenance, renewal and performance of our parks, playgrounds and recreation assets.

This is an opportunity to make a visible difference across the district by helping ensure our public spaces are safe, well maintained, fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of our communities.

What you'll be doing

In this role, you'll play a key part in the day-to-day and long-term management of Council's playgrounds, parks assets and associated recreation infrastructure. You'll work closely with contractors, consultants, internal teams and community stakeholders to plan, deliver and monitor maintenance, renewal and minor capital works programmes.

You'll be responsible for:

• Preparing, administering and monitoring contracts for parks, assets and playground maintenance, renewals and minor capital works.
• Supporting asset management planning, including condition information, lifecycle planning, renewal programmes and budget inputs.
• Monitoring contractor performance through inspections, audits, reporting and service level reviews.
• Identifying asset risks, defects and improvement opportunities, and helping prioritise works based on safety, condition, community need and service levels.
• Managing public enquiries, complaints and requests.
• Building constructive relationships with contractors, consultants, community groups, stakeholders and internal Council teams.
• Promoting safe, accessible and well cared-for public spaces.

What we're looking for

Someone with a strong mix of technical capability, practical judgement and relationship skills, with a focus on quality service delivery, trusted relationships and practical problem solving. Confident working with contractors and customers, you'll be motivated to manage safe, well-maintained public spaces that support the wellbeing of our communities now and into the future.

• An NZQA recognised qualification at Level 4 or above in parks, recreation, open space management, asset management, horticulture, arboriculture, turf management, construction, project management, contract management or a related discipline.
• At least 3-5 years' relevant experience in parks, recreation, open space, playgrounds, infrastructure asset management, contract management, project delivery or a related operational environment.
• Experience with contract administration, contractor monitoring, procurement processes and service delivery reporting.
• Confidence contributing to asset management planning, maintenance programmes, renewal planning and budget development.
• Sound financial awareness, including experience with forecasting and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Clear communication skills and a strong customer focus, high integrity and initiative, and a collaborative approach to working in a team environment.
• Playground inspection or safety certification, asset management training, contract management or procurement training, and health and safety training would be advantageous.

Why join Whangārei District Council?

At WDC, you'll be part of a welcoming, supportive and down-to-earth organisation where the work you do has a real impact on the community. We are proud of our tikanga-based culture, which is built around strong relationships, care and respect, unity, and stewardship for long-term outcomes.

• Work that helps shape the places where people live, play and connect
• A friendly, values-led workplace where people are encouraged to contribute ideas and work together
• Opportunities for learning, development and career growth
• A focus on equal employment opportunities and continuous improvement
• The chance to enjoy life in the Whangārei District, with coast, countryside and city living all within reach
• The opportunity to be part of a Council that is small enough for your contribution to be seen and large enough to make a meaningful impact

Ready to make a difference? Bring your skills, experience and commitment to community outcomes to Whangārei District Council and help us care for the parks, playgrounds and recreation assets our district enjoys every day.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the People & Capability team on [phone] or 0800 932 463. We look forward to hearing from you.