Manager Recreation and Open Spaces

Your Impact

You will:

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, development and continuous improvement of Council’s open space and recreation assets.
• Lead the development, implementation and review of strategies, master plans and service plans.
• Oversee operational, maintenance and capital works programs to ensure assets meet required standards of safety, accessibility and presentation.
• Manage and support staff, fostering a positive, inclusive and safety‑focused workplace culture.
• Develop and manage operational and capital budgets, procurement processes and contracts.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, Australian Standards and Council policies.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with community groups, sporting organisations, contractors and government agencies.
• Provide accurate reporting, professional advice and recommendations to senior management and Council.

What You Bring

You will bring the below skills:

• Demonstrated capability managing parks, open space, sporting, recreational or community facility services within local government or a similar regulated environment
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering both strategic and operational outcomes
• Proven experience planning, delivering and overseeing operational, maintenance and capital works programs
• Strong people leadership skills, including performance management and WHS culture development
• Financial, procurement, project and contract management experience
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Current Class C Driver Licence

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Horticulture, Parks and Open Space Management, Landscaping, Construction, Building Maintenance or a related discipline
• Knowledge of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and legislation relevant to recreation and community infrastructure
• Experience developing strategies, master plans or policies for open space, sport, recreation or cemeteries
• Experience in grant identification, funding applications and delivery of externally funded projects

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Attractive Total Remuneration Package — negotiable based on experience (we welcome confidential discussions)
• Monthly Rostered Day Off (RDO)
• Relocation allowance
• Three-month rental subsidy of up to $200 per week
• Motor vehicle leaseback option
• Long service leave after 5 years

Why Move to Glen Innes?

Glen Innes is a place where people don’t just live — they belong. Set in the beautiful Northern Tablelands, it offers space, character and connection in a way that is becoming increasingly rare. If you're looking for a community that welcomes you, a lifestyle that feels genuine, and a region where your contributions truly matter, Glen Innes is a place where you can make a meaningful life.

A Lifestyle with Balance and Breathing Room

• Living in Glen Innes means less congestion, more space and a sense of calm that’s hard to find in larger centres. It’s a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, take part in community life, and appreciate a lifestyle that feels more personal and less pressured.

Housing You Can Actually Afford

• Glen Innes offers exceptionally affordable housing compared to metropolitan areas.
• Whether renting or buying, your income stretches further — making home ownership or securing quality accommodation far more achievable.

Regional Living with Practical Access

• Core local medical and health services are available, with broader hospital and specialist care accessible in Armidale and Tamworth.
• Convenient road access to major regional centres and airports.
• Eligibility for Remote Area Benefits, offering additional tax and financial advantages for regional employees.

Interested in Applying?

• Carefully download and read the Guide to Applying for Employment, together with the position description to familiarise yourself with the role and application process
• Please upload documents in PDF or word format
• Please note that as part of Glen Innes Severn Council's recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment checks. This may include: reference checks; national criminal police check; functional/medical assessment; qualification verification; Working with Children Check and NDIS verification.
• Our recruitment notification process is primarily via system generated emails. Please ensure your email is correct before submitting an application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes. Email communication notifications are used for but not limited to: application received, interview booking tools, confirmation of interview, request for references/more information, delay notifications, testing/assessments (aptitude/psychometric/industry specific) and application outcomes (unsuccessful before or after interview)
• Please regularly check your 'junk mail' or ensure our email address jobs@gisc.nsw.gov.au and Pulse email no_reply@lgss.com.au is set to 'trustworthy'

Need More Information or Assistance

Council is an EEO employer. Women, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, people with a disability, and members of racial, ethnic, and ethno-religious minority groups are encouraged to apply. 

Bernard Smith - General Manager

Promoting a safe and healthy workplace