Open Space Sustainability Leader

We are seeking a skilled professional to take on the role of Open Space Coordinator, responsible for managing and maintaining Glen Eira's open spaces. This includes parks, gardens, streetscapes, remnant vegetation, and areas of urban biodiversity.

The ideal candidate will have experience in public open space management, with a strong background in horticultural, turf, and/or conservation land management. They will be able to lead a team of professionals, provide strategic direction, and ensure effective leadership and expert guidance.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing initiatives that enhance urban biodiversity, elevate horticultural standards, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Managing the performance and outcomes of Council's in-house Open Space, Horticulture and Biodiversity teams and contractors to deliver Council's parks, gardens and Council properties, horticultural, turf, urban biodiversity and assets maintenance programs in accordance with Council policy, procedures and timelines.
• Contributing to strategic and operational management of the Department, including fostering a climate of organisational cohesion, flexibility, and responsiveness.
• Overseeing quality assessments and auditing of open space maintenance works and projects to ensure compliance.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders that are based on genuine partnerships, care and authentic dialogue.
• Managing contracts and carry out regular inspections on work carried out on Council open space by contractors or other Council work teams to ensure that works have been completed to the correct quality standards.
• Responsible for the management of relevant budgets and expenditure to ensure both efficient and effective delivery to the community.

• Advanced certificate/Diploma/Degree of High-Level National accreditation in horticultural, turf and/or conservation land management and relevant demonstrated experience in amenity horticultural management and maintenance operations
• Demonstrated leadership qualities and experience in supervision and performance management
• Proven track record in the development of successful open space services, including fostering a climate of organisational cohesion, flexibility and responsiveness
• Experience in monitoring and maintaining the integrity of system data provided by staff and contractors
• Well-developed interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate messages to various audiences, produce high quality reports and represent Glen Eira professionally in forums
• Ability to motivate and lead teams to provide exceptional customer service by delivering high levels of productivity and quality outcomes
• Experience in developing and implementing a range of OH&S systems in a Parks environment
• Victorian Driver's Licence

• Hybrid work environment and Flexible work options
• A supportive and collaborative team environment where your ideas are welcomed
• Access to paid training and participation in Council's extensive Learning and Development programs
• Reward and recognition programs
• Comprehensive leave entitlements
• Corporate gym memberships at Glen Eira Leisure

The City of Glen Eira is a dynamic municipality located within the southeast metropolitan region of Melbourne, approximately 10 kilometres from the CBD. Council provides a range of services to over 155,000 residents from more than 160 cultural backgrounds and over 16,000 businesses.

Glen Eira City Council is a collaborative, values-based organisation that strives for innovation. Our employees bring their diverse backgrounds and varied experiences and perspectives to an inclusive and flexible work environment, creating a unique and vibrant culture that is representative of the municipality it serves.

Recognised as an Employer of Choice, we seek people who share our community-focused values and have a desire to create positive local impact.