Work Type: Contract

Location: Emerald 

Department:  Operations

Remuneration: Circa $200k inclusive of superannuation and motor vehicle with private use 

Shape the future of the region’s green spaces and community landscapes.

Central Highlands Regional Council is looking for experienced and forward-thinking leader to take charge of parks, gardens, open spaces, cemeteries, urban forestry, and depot operations across the region. This role is central to ensuring our green spaces are safe, functional, environmentally sustainable, and enhance the liveability and wellbeing of our communities.

About the Role

As Manager Parks & Open Spaces, you will:

• Develop and implement strategic plans for parks, open spaces, and urban greenery that meet community needs and environmental goals.

• Oversee daily operations, maintenance, and capital works programs for parks, playgrounds, sports fields, reserves, and cemeteries.

• Lead depot operations to ensure efficient and coordinated service delivery across the organisation.

• Drive innovation in sustainability, water efficiency, and climate resilience across all open space and landscaping initiatives.

• Build strong partnerships with community groups, sporting clubs, volunteers, contractors, and government agencies.

• Mentor and lead your team, fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and excellence.

This is a hands-on leadership role where you will directly influence the quality, sustainability, and enjoyment of green spaces across the Central Highlands.

About You

You are an experienced leader who:

• Holds tertiary qualifications in Business, Horticulture, Environmental Management, or a related field, or has significant equivalent experience.

• Brings at least 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role managing diverse teams and complex operational portfolios.

• Demonstrates excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Has experience overseeing budgets, strategic plans, and service delivery initiatives.

• Shows strong leadership, resilience, and a commitment to customer-focused outcomes.

• Holds a current Queensland C-class driver’s licence.

Experience in local government, parks management, and sustainability practices is highly regarded.

Why Emerald & the Central Highlands?

Emerald is a thriving regional centre offering a unique mix of professional opportunity and lifestyle. Explore scenic parks and walking tracks, natural wonders like Carnarvon Gorge and the Blackdown Tablelands, or enjoy fishing at Lake Maraboon and fossicking in the Gemfields. It’s a community-focused region where your leadership can make a tangible difference in people’s everyday lives.

Ready to Lead Our Green Spaces?

If you’re a passionate, innovative, and hands-on leader looking to make a real impact on the region’s parks, open spaces, and natural assets, we want to hear from you!

Benefits Include:

• A generous superannuation scheme
• 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
• Annual uniform allocation
• Payroll deductions and salary sacrifice options
• Wages paid fortnightly
• Employee Assistance Program

To apply for this position:

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

Please download and review the position description.

To be considered for this position, please include the following documents:

1. A cover letter outlining your motivation for applying for this position and addressing the key selection criteria
2. Your resume detailing your career history relevant for this position

Applicants who are progressed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be invited to participate in a shortlisting process.

Eligibility & Pre-employment Checks

To be appointed to a permanent position, you must be an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status, or hold a visa permitting you to work in Australia permanently. If you have a visa permitting you to work temporarily in Australia, you may be appointed to a position on a temporary basis, providing the work complies with the conditions of your visa.

The pre-employment checks relevant to this position include:

• Right to Work in Australia
• Criminal History Check
• Reference and qualification checks

For a confidential discussion, please contact a member of the Recruitment Team on 1300 242 686 during business hours or register your application by submitting your cover letter and resume.

Applications close:  5pm Thursday 20th November 2025.