Manager Open Space and Recreation

Are you looking for the right career and lifestyle move for 2024?  Do you want to make an impact on the future of the community you live in?  Here's your opportunity to kick a career goal while you enjoy an incredible lifestyle on the beautiful Barrington Coast. 

The role

MidCoast Council is seeking a senior leader to help achieve our mission “of delivering benefits for our community in a way that adds value and builds trust”.

As the Manager of Open Space and Recreation, you will play a key role in preserving and enhancing our region's parks, gardens, and recreational spaces. We are looking for a motivated individual with extensive leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering people initiatives that drive a high-performance culture.

As part of our team, you will ensure that our parks remain pristine, and our community enjoys vibrant recreational spaces. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while embracing the lifestyle offered by the Barrington Coast.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Open Space and Recreation Department, overseeing staff and financial resources.
• Develop and administer annual budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of funds for operations and projects.
• Provide guidance, coaching and support to the team, fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and professional development.
• Supervise the maintenance and operation of parks, reserves, and cemeteries, ensuring high standards of safety and aesthetic appeal.
• Plan and execute annual works programs, coordinating activities to enhance community access to recreational spaces.
• Offer expert horticultural and landscaping advice to staff and the public, promoting best practices in open space management.
• Contribute to organisational outcomes through effective project management and alignment with the Public Spaces Business Plan.
• Coordinate the implementation of plans of management for community land.
• Oversee the construction of capital improvements, by managing contracts and to ensure quality outcomes.
• Develop and maintain risk management systems, ensuring efficient resource allocation and compliance with regulations.

What you'll bring

We are looking for a passionate leader to complement our existing workforce who can demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and attributes:

• Tertiary qualifications in Horticulture, Landscaping, Project Management or a relevant discipline.
• Extensive professional industry experience in open space and recreation management.
• Experience in developing, coaching, and managing operational teams.
• Demonstrated knowledge of professional and legislative requirements.
• Knowledge of WHS legislation with experience managing safety.
• Demonstrated commitment to delivering high-quality customer service outcomes.

Interested applicants should read the Position Description (Word) Position Description (PDF) provides further information on the functions of the role.

What we offer

• Base Salary of $135,000 - $162,000 plus super
• Vehicle Allowance $12,000
• Eligibility for a leaseback vehicle whereby Council provides you with a vehicle for an annual fee calculated as 20% of the gross purchase price. This is a fully maintained vehicle for both business and full private use.
• Generous leave entitlements
• Work in a modern office that provides a variety of work settings supported by the right technology
• Ongoing personal and professional development programs
• Long service leave when you’ve been with us for over 5 years
• Above Award Parental Leave provisions
• Study assistance and study leave
• Journey to work cover

Location: 

This position will be based at our Administration and Customer Service Centre at ‘Yalawanyi Ganya’ at 2 Biripi Way, Taree, with flexibility and hybrid working available where feasible. ‘Yalawanyi Ganya’ means “sitting/meeting place” in the Gathang language of the first nations people of the MidCoast Region.  

Tenure: Permanent, Full Time.

Closing Date:  Sunday 7 April 2024 11.59pm.

Want to know more?

For questions relating to the position requirements please contact Paul De Szell, Director Liveable Communities who is the hiring manager for this role. Paul can be reached on (02) 7955 7407.

For enquiries regarding the application process contact Loretta Anderson, Senior Human Resources Business Partner who is the HR representative for this role. Loretta can be reached on (02) 7955 7316 or at loretta.anderson@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.

How to apply: 

• When responding to the questions below, please include detailed and relevant examples of your skills and experience. 
• You have the option to save your application prior to submitting, however please ensure you don't forget to submit your application before the closing date
• Click the "NEXT" button at the bottom of the application form to attach your resume
• We will be in touch via email.

Our commitment

At MidCoast Council we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities. Our aim is to provide all of our staff with an inclusive, safe and healthy working environment. We never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or marital, veteran or disability status. If you have a disability and need to request any adjustments to assist with the application process, or to discuss workplace adjustments you may require, please contact the HR representative.

Council also recognises the skills and attributes of veterans and welcomes applications from ex-service personnel.

We’re a 2023 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

We respectfully ask that recruitment agencies do not contact us at this stage.

If you have what it takes and are looking for an opportunity focused on growth and delivering quality outcomes for our community - then APPLY now.