Job Description

• Lead a team within Regional Parks, protecting unique natural and cultural landscapes.
• Build and coach strong teams and partnerships,working in collaboration with mana whenua and key stakeholders.
• Permanent full time hybrid role

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

We’re seeking a strategic leader to join Auckland Council a Regional Lead within the Regional Parks Environment Team. You will be one of three Regional Leads, providing senior leadership across the Environment Portfolio for the Regional Parks network to deliver conservation outcomes, manage resources and budgets, and enable safe, high‑quality recreation and education in partnership with mana whenua and key stakeholders.

What you’ll do:

• Support and develop staff by fostering a high‑performing culture and modelling best practice
• Accountable for strategic and operational portfolio management
• Lead planning and resource allocation across the parks portfolio
• Oversee delivery of conservation projects and programmes
• Manage budget performance within delegated authority

You can find the position description here

The remuneration range is between $110,000 - $130,000 depending on skillset and experience

Te hiranga o tēnei mahi: Why this role matters

The Regional Lead plays a critical role Auckland’s unique natural and cultural places while making sure people can safely enjoy the parks. They play a big part in balancing conservation with great outdoor experiences, ensuring our Regional Parks stay healthy and cared for.

As a senior leader, this role makes sure conservation work is well‑planned, properly resourced, and delivered to a high standard. Building strong, trusting relationships with mana whenua, stakeholders, and staff will enable collaboration towards positive environmental outcomes.

Ngā kawenga matua: Key responsibilities

The role has both operational and strategic leadership responsibilities and focuses on people leadership from fostering a team culture that prioritises health, safety, and wellbeing. It also involves leading, coaching, and developing direct reports and the wider team, putting in place development programmes and succession planning to help people grow and succeed.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, mana whenua, suppliers, partners, colleagues, and council committees/local boards
• Act as the subject matter expert for assigned portfolios (NETR, Restoration & Amenity Management, Open Sanctuaries), maintaining current knowledge and best practice. Delivery high quality ecological restoration and species management programmes contributing to region wide environmental initiatives.
• Coordinate and deliver regional resources to manage assigned portfolios and projects in an integrated way
• Oversee and manage annual operational budgets and departmental financial reporting
• Improve ways of working by identifying opportunities, developing solutions, and implementing process improvements

He kōrero mōu: About you

We’re looking for someone who can build strong, collaborative relationships across a wide range of internal teams and external partners. You’ll have proven experience working in partnership to achieve great outcomes, supported by excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Your ability to engage confidently and influence effectively will be key to your success in this role, along with excellent verbal, written, and report‑writing skills that enable you to convey complex information clearly and persuasively.

What We’re Looking For:

• A degree-level tertiary qualification in a relevant field (e.g., conservation, parks, open space, recreation, policy/planning, natural resource management).
• 5–8 years’ experience in a senior advisory or leadership role in conservation management, park management role and /or land management.
• Demonstrated experience leading projects, including work planning, adapting to changing priorities, delivering successful outcomes, and driving innovation in a high‑profile public environment.
• Specific experience with financial acumen, including managing budgets, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance within delegated authority.
• Strong ecological background with experience in the management of threatened species, ecological restoration and or biosecurity will be advantageous.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

At Auckland Council, you will join a dynamic, supportive environment where your mahi (work) will directly impact the lives of over 1.7 million Aucklanders. We offer flexible working conditions, a focus on well-being, and a culture of continuous improvement.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. As part of our organisation, please view a range of our: benefits.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: Friday 20th February 12am NZDT

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis as they come in so, please apply today to avoid disappointment!

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered.

#workingforauckland

As a part of Auckland Council drug and alcohol policy pre-employment checks, you will be subject to drug, alcohol and police screening.

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.

Employees in receipt of salary protection and/or on the predecessor Council terms and conditions of employment, please note that the salary protection and/or predecessor Council terms and conditions, including relocation, apply to your current position. Should you change to a new position (other than any secondment) you will be issued with a new employment letter of offer with current Auckland Council terms and conditions.