Permanent Full-Time

Are you ready to be a part of something exceptional? Invercargill City Council invites you to become a driving force in our future-focused team. With a vibrant atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to our values—positivity, respect, responsibility, and above and beyond—we're passionate about creating a team full of outstanding individuals who are as passionate about shaping the future as we are.

Our Parks and Recreation team are seeking an energetic, proactive and motivated Community and Partnership Advisor. Based at the heart of Queens Park, this newly created role is your chance to educate and maximise our community connection with our beautiful natural environment and recreational spaces across Invercargill.

In this role, you will:

• Work with the public to achieve community outcomes.
• Focus on building strong community connections, foster partnerships and support conservation and recreation initiatives.
• Lead and coordinate community engagement projects, consultations, events, and educational programmes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with mana whenua, iwi, schools, sport clubs, community groups, and key stakeholders.
• Champion conservation and recreation through education, advocacy, and public events.
• Support schools and young people to engage with local reserves and environmental values, fostering kaitiakitanga and community ownership.
• Mentor staff and share knowledge to strengthen our educational delivery and public engagement.

What you will bring:

• At least 3 years' proven experience in community engagement, education, or partnership development.
• Experience working with schools, mana whenua / iwi, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with practical experience in dealing with the public.
• A proactive, can-do attitude with the ability to lead initiatives and work independently.
• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent work experience.
• A background in conservation or recreation would be advantageous.

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment
• Career progression and training/development opportunities
• Positive focus of employee health and well-being: Workstation assessments, free flu vaccines, EAP services, 50% off eye exams, discounted gym memberships etc
• Kiwisaver and Superannuation Schemes
• Access to sick leave from day one of employment
• Appointment time leave: Up to 2 hours for important appointments e.g., Doctor, bank, dentist

This is a permanent full-time position with an indicative salary range of between $78,772 to $101,940 gross per annum dependent on skills and experience.

Waihōpai Invercargill is New Zealand's southernmost city and the heart and hub of Southland. We're known for our lush green spaces, like award-winning Queens Park, our long summer daylight hours and our local legend Burt Munro. Our city has character, charm and a laidback atmosphere. There's outstanding nature reserves, Ōreti Beach and the Waihōpai River to explore plus our lively restaurants complemented by a thriving entertainment and arts scene which are hard to beat! The sensible gridded layout featuring wide streets ensures a convenient 10-minute drive to work. Who wouldn't want to call this place home?

Invercargill City Council is committed to the safety of children, the elderly, and vulnerable adults. As this position involves working with these groups, Police Vetting (under the Children's Act 2014) and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test are required to ensure a safe environment for all.

To learn more, view the full position description or contact Invercargill City Council at (03) 211 1777. Please note: applications submitted via SEEK will not be received. Apply online at Jobs - Invercargill City Council.

Applications close Friday 31 October. Please note applications will be processed as they are received and we encourage you to apply early as this advert may be removed at any time.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand. While all applications will be considered, preference will be given to candidates currently residing in New Zealand.