Parks Officer – Arborist

Parks Officer – Arborist

Live, work and play in Aotearoa New Zealand’s most spectacular setting.

No two days at Queenstown Lakes District Council are the same.  Every day we provide services, facilities and programmes essential to the health and wellbeing of our people and environment, while stepping up to the challenges and opportunities that come with being New Zealand’s fastest growing territorial authority.

We’re proud to be QLDC.  Our people are motivated by a shared purpose driven by care, connection and community.  All our roles are at the heart of a dynamic and diverse set of communities where you will be making a genuine difference every day. Join us.

We’re looking for an Arborist to join our passionate Parks Service Delivery team. We offer hybrid working practices, benefits including base southern cross health insurance, heavily discounted access to our health and fitness facilities and a genuine commitment to your training and career development.

What you’ll be doing / He aha te mahi

As our Parks Officer – Arborist, you'll play a key role in shaping and caring for QLDC's tree network across parks, reserves and other Council-managed land. Bringing together technical expertise, programme leadership and strong stakeholder relationships, you'll help ensure our trees continue to enhance the places where our communities live, work and play.

The role will involve:

Leading the planning and delivery of arboriculture services across QLDC-managed land.

Managing tree planting, maintenance and renewal programmes to support safe, healthy and resilient tree assets.

Providing expert arboriculture advice to support projects, development planning, policy and operational decision-making.

Managing contractors, procurement activities and budgets to ensure high-quality service delivery and value for money.

* Building strong relationships with communities, mana whenua, contractors and stakeholders to help grow and enhance our urban forest and open spaces.

What you’ll bring to the role / Ko wai to Pukeka

We're looking for a collaborative and solutions-focused arboriculture professional who can balance technical expertise with strong programme and stakeholder management. You'll be confident working across operational and strategic environments, building trusted relationships and delivering sustainable outcomes that enhance our parks, reserves and open spaces.

To best succeed in this role, you’ll have:

A Level 6 Arboriculture qualification (or equivalent recognised qualification) and a current QTRA qualification, or the ability to obtain and maintain one.

At least five years' experience in arboriculture, including the planning and delivery of tree maintenance, planting and renewal programmes.

Proven experience managing contractors, procurement processes, projects and budgets to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Strong knowledge of arboriculture standards, tree risk management and relevant New Zealand legislation, along with confidence providing trusted technical advice.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience using GIS and asset management systems and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.

What we offer / Ko a matou whakaratoka

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health, wellbeing, and professional growth, including:

• Southern Cross Wellbeing One Plan (Full time, permanent only)
• Discounted membership to our health and fitness facilities
• Hybrid working practices
• Genuine commitment to your training and career development
• To apply, please follow the link or for any questions please contact Adrian Hoddinott (Parks Contract Manager), at [email protected]

Applications close:* Thursday 22 Oct, 2026

Please note we will review and process applications as they come through; we encourage your early application.