Manager Wellington Gardens – Wellington City Council – Wellington

• Want to make difference to Wellington’s parks and open spaces?
• Want to lead an established, supportive, and passionate leadership team?
• Want to contribute to one some of Wellington’s top visitor destinations?

Kia mahi ngātahi mō Pōneke mō tōna āpōpō | Working together for Wellington’s future.

Wellington’s open spaces and natural areas are part of what makes Pōneke unique. These are well used and valued by a huge number of Wellingtonians and visitors. This proximity to nature plays a key role in Wellingtonians excellent quality of life and great experiences.

Wellington Gardens comprises of Truby King Park, Bolton Street memorial park and two of the country’s leading botanic gardens – Wellington Botanic Garden and Ōtari Native Botanic Garden which is a six-star garden of international significance is also the home of our Conservation Science laboratory. Wilton Forest Reserve is a 100ha taonga in the heart of our capital. Our gardens play an important part in conservation, research, education, and recreation. Otari is also the home of our Conservation Science labatory.

The Open Space and Parks team works with other Parks, Sport & Recreation teams to design and develop solutions utilising reserves. The solutions focus on meeting stakeholder and community needs, driving utilisation of open spaces and increasing participation in recreation.

Āu ake mahi | What you will do 

Providing leadership and management of the Wellington Gardens, you will support a team committed to delivering high quality visitor experience through excellence in horticulture and their contribution to conservation, science, environmental education, events and to the health and wellbeing of the community.

Supported by a committed and dedicated team you will play the leading role in developing long-term strategic and operational plans for the Wellington Garden cluster and promoting these as key icons for the city with regards to horticulture, conservation, science, education, recreation and heritage.

Remaining consistent with statutory responsibilities and management plan policies, you will ensure the conservation and appreciation of the natural, cultural and historic values of the Wellington Gardens through the leadership of the gardens management team and the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans and programmes.

For further information about the position download the Position Description.

Ō pūmanawa | About you 

With a passion for Pōneke and its beauty, you will come with significant experience in a senior management role with 5 + years’ experience and knowledge in the development, maintenance and management of gardens, parks, or reserves in addition to:

• A tertiary level qualification in environmental management or business management
• Knowledge and experience in strategic planning and implementation
• Highly effective skills in communication and presentations (both written and verbal)
• Strong skills in building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders and dignitaries
• People and relationship management with a focus on leading, developing and mentoring people
• Demonstrate successful promotion and marketing campaigns based on sound research
• Experience working in local government or a political environment (preferred, but not essential)

You will be comfortable sharing your knowledge with your peers to strengthen your own and your peers skills and knowledge working within a Te Aō Māori environment.

You will be joining a passionate team were getting stuck in, great communication skills and share a love for engaging with people of Pōneke and visitors fuels the success of Wellington Gardens.

Please note that shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo a Ministry of Justice pre-employment check. A full, clean drivers’ licence is required for this role. Remuneration for this role is $123,558 – $145,361 based on skill and experience.

Why us? 

Working for the Council offers you a range of benefits including 5 weeks annual leave, flexible working options, health and wellbeing support, Council staff discounts and a range of learning and development programmes and opportunities.

More than that – you will be playing a part in making Pōneke an inclusive, sustainable, and creative capital for people to live, work and play.

Applications close: Monday, 7^th October 2024. All applications must be submitted online.

Please note: We may engage with applicants prior to the role closing. We want to make sure any accessibility requirements you may have, are well supported so the selection process is equitable for everyone. Please let us know if there are any adjustments or support, we can offer to make our process more accessible to you by emailing: recruitment@wcc.govt.nz.