Parks Officer (Service Delivery)

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
Hybrid working practices
Genuine commitment to your training and career development

To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Clare Tomkins, Parks Operations – Service Delivery Manager, on [email protected]

Applications close: Thursday 19th November 2026

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.