Parks and Forests Operations Advisor

Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

Location: Kainga (KNG)

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Lead parks and forest projects and operational delivery
• Make a difference for Canterbury’s environment and communities
• Flexible, varied role with field and office-based work

Kaunihera Taiao Ki Waitaha │ About Environment Canterbury

As a regional council, we are responsible for managing natural resources including air, soil, water and land. We work in partnership with mana whenua Ngāi Tahu to protect the health of our environment to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for our region.

The region’s evolving environmental and political context means we will continue to be agile and adaptive, as we respond to regulatory and environmental changes.

Our mahi (work) is organised around the delivery of our three core services:

• Environmental Regulation and Protection
• Community Preparedness and Response to Hazards
• Public Transport

Council plays an important role in responding to national legislation and policy changes – this mahi is part of our operating environment and is embedded in our everyday mahi. The current proposals from central government are significant, and Council is working through the opportunities and implications. However, our mahi must continue to deliver our three core services for our partners, communities and te taiao (environment).

Kōrero Mō Te Tūranga │ About The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery and long-term success of Canterbury’s regional parks and forests network.

As Parks and Forest Operations Advisor, you'll provide specialist operational advice, lead projects, manage service delivery contracts, and build strong partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders.

Working across both established and developing park areas, you'll help ensure our parks and forests remain safe, accessible, environmentally sustainable, and valued by the communities who use them.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Coordinating the planning and delivery of parks and forest projects and operational activities
• Managing contractors, procurement processes, and contract performance to achieve high-quality outcomes
• Building strong relationships with iwi, community groups, recreation organisations, and external partners
• Supporting asset management, infrastructure planning, and long-term operational improvements
• Contributing to emergency response activities and providing leadership support when required

For more information on this role, please refer to the job description at the bottom of the advert.

Mōu │ About You

You are a capable relationship builder who enjoys balancing operational delivery with strategic thinking. Comfortable working across a diverse portfolio, you'll bring strong project and contract management experience along with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, communities, mana whenua, and external stakeholders. You'll be proactive, adaptable, and motivated by creating positive outcomes for Canterbury's parks, forests, and communities.

You Will Bring

• Proven experience in operational, project, or contractor management environments
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing procurement processes, contracts, and service providers
• Sound planning, reporting, and organisational skills with strong attention to detail
• A relevant tertiary qualification in business, recreation management, or a related discipline

Mātau Ā-Wheako │ Experience

• Minimum five years' experience in operational management, project management, and/or contractor management
• Experience working within a large and complex organisation
• Demonstrated success in project delivery, financial reporting, and operational planning
• Experience preparing tender documentation and managing procurement activities
• Knowledge of, or interest in, Canterbury's parks, forests, and recreational environments would be advantageous

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha │ Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• Kaitiakitanga (stewardship)
• Pononga (integrity)
• Manaakitanga (people first)
• Whanaungatanga (collaboration)
• Māiatanga (can do)

We understand and embrace a diverse workforce; this diversity will enable us to better serve our people, our community, and our greatest taonga, the environment. We value everyone’s contribution, diverse thinking, and skills.

We're on a journey to become a treaty partner of excellence, including incorporating te ao Māori into our work. We offer supportive opportunities to develop capability in this area and encourage our people to use kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our daily work. We welcome you with an open heart and mind, wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey.

Ko Ētahi Atu Kōrero │ Additional Information

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Karen Elliott on 027 2108114

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Sunday 19 July and will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Interviews may begin before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close the advertisement early.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks, and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.

Me mahi tahi tātou - Together we can