About the role:

Selwyn is growing rapidly, and we're committed to ensuring our open spaces grow with it. As our next Open Spaces Asset Manager, you'll play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the district's parks, reserves, sports spaces, cemeteries, town centre streetscapes, and more.

This is a rare opportunity to lead district‑wide planning, strategy, and investment for one of New Zealand's most vibrant and well‑loved communities. In this role you will be:

Lead strategic planning & investment

• Drive the development of the Open Spaces Activity Management Plan and budgets covering reserves, sports spaces, streetscapes, public toilets, cemeteries, forestry assets and more.
• Shape long‑term investment through the Long-Term Plan, Annual Plan, and 30‑Year Infrastructure Strategy.
• Influence the future of Selwyn
• Provide expert advice on District Plan provisions, land use, consenting, and development contributions.
• Ensure that open spaces support community wellbeing, biodiversity, climate resilience, recreation trends, and future population growth.
• Lead a motivated, high‑performing team
• Build capability, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and set clear expectations.
• Collaborate widely
• Work with iwi partners, planners, engineers, sport & recreation leaders, environmental specialists, and community stakeholders.
• Be the asset owner representative for key open space projects.

About you:

You're an experienced and forward‑thinking open spaces, parks, or asset management professional (10+ years) who can balance strategic thinking with practical planning.

You'll also have:

• Strong knowledge of asset management systems, the International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM) and relevant Acts (Reserves Act, Local Government Act, Burial & Cremations Act).
• Excellent ability to build relationships and influence across diverse stakeholders.
• Skill in budget development, evidence‑based decision making, and future‑focused planning.
• A leadership style that empowers, motivates, and brings out the best in people.
• A degree in land/open space/environmental management or similar is essential; professional memberships (IPWEA, NZRA) or AM qualifications are a bonus.

What we can offer:

• Great work-life balance with flexibility
• Career coaching and development
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing and volunteer leave
• Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year
• Two weeks paid Partners Leave
• Sick leave from day one
• Continued KiwiSaver contributions during savings suspension
• Discounts with local and national businesses

About us:

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work: · Be a good human · Be brave - Think differently · Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We value the safety of our community - this role requires a satisfactory safety check including for you to pass a drug and alcohol test.

Ready to help shape the future of Selwyn?

If you're passionate about creating exceptional open spaces for our people now and for generations to come we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and make it happen for Selwyn.

How to apply

To apply for this job go to: https://sdcjobs.co.nz/Vacancies & enter ref code: 6865874.

Applications close 08 March 2026