Senior Officer Package
Permanent Full Time
About Us
Located 35km to the southeast of Melbourne, Greater Dandenong City Council covers 129 square kilometres and has a population of over 169,000 people. The central activities district is Melbourne's second largest retail and commercial centre and includes large shopping complexes at Dandenong and Keysborough as well as the highly popular Dandenong Market.
Greater Dandenong City Council is the most culturally diverse locality in Australia, with residents from over 150 different birthplaces, nearly two-thirds of whom were born overseas. Key industries include manufacturing, health care and social assistance, retail trade, wholesale trade and transport.
We are a progressive organisation of exceptional character that offers a dynamic and rewarding work environment to approximately 900 employees. We recognise that our staff are vital to the delivery of excellent service to our community and the achievement of our long-term vision. We invest in the development of our people, and we strive to be a workplace that is respectful, engaged, accountable, creative and honest.
About the role
The City of Greater Dandenong is undertaking a major transformation of its Parks Services Department, and are excited to offer a newly created leadership role that will shape the future delivery of the city’s Parks Services and maintenance of open space assets. As part of a broader restructure, this is a rare opportunity to join the team at a pivotal moment—bringing fresh energy, ideas and leadership to a team committed to delivering high-quality parks and open space outcomes for the community.
This high-profile role will be responsible for leading the strategy and policy development, planning and maintenance activities relating to Parks Services. You’ll lead a team of approximately 75 operational staff to deliver a wide range of services across four key areas - City Presentation, Active Parks, Urban Forest & Conservation – and maintain a wide range of working relationships with internal stakeholders, community groups and government agencies. This is a critical role in defining the perceptions of Council through engagement with residents.
About you
You are an experienced Parks and Open Space professional and natural leader with
a strong passion for working with others to deliver innovative and industry
leading high-quality outcomes for the community.
You’re ready to implement the Parks Service Department restructure and shape a new team within a complex local government setting. You’re confident working with councillors, community members, and internal teams, and have a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to service delivery.
This is a rare opportunity to lead, influence and be part of an exciting evolution in how Council develops, maintains and presents its most valued parks and open space assets.
Key requirements:
- A relevant tertiary qualification
- Substantial experience in managing open space and sports ground management, horticulture, landscape and natural resources
- Ability to effectively lead and manage the Parks Service Department
- Accountable for the forward planning, financial planning, program development and implementation
- To pro-actively plan and implement operational strategies, plans, projects, policies, and programs
- Actively participate in achieving City Futures Directorate objectives
Please ensure you address the key selection criteria outlined in the position description as part of your application.
You may be required to undertake practical testing, work preference profiling / psychometric testing, functional capacity assessment (physical) or aptitude testing.
The successful candidate will be asked to produce a clear Working with Children Check and will be asked toconsent to a national police check (and where relevant an ‘international criminal history check’), subject to the operation of spent conviction laws. Please note that people with criminal records are not automatically barred from applying for this position. Each application will be considered on its merits.
Benefits of working with us
Council believes in providing an environment where staff thrive, both in the work they do and in how they learn and develop as people and professionals.
Our workplace has an inclusive and diverse culture which encourages innovation and supports your work and life balance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn, develop and grow your career within our expanding and diverse organisation.
Our benefits include
· Competitive salary
· Salary sacrifice childcare (where available)
· Flexible working options supported including hybrid work
· Access to learning & development programs including study assistance
· Reward & recognition programs
· Health initiatives
· Access to our support and wellbeing programs
· A vibrant social club
For more information about our benefits, please visit our careers page: Working with Us
Council will consider flexible working arrangements for all positions. We embrace our diverse community and encourage applications from everyone including people of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background, people of diverse sexual orientation and gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people of varied age, ability, and faith. Council will give due consideration to any workplace adjustments to accommodate the needs of any prospective or existing staff member.
Council is commitment to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and promoting cultural safety and wellbeing for children with zero tolerance for child abuse and harm.
To apply
To apply for this position please complete the online application form, including your resume, a cover letter and address the key selection criteria. You will be required to answer selection questions as part of the application process. The selection process also includes the requirement for reference checks.
Position Description: Manager Parks Services - 311.2 KB
Applications close: 5pm, Tuesday, 10 June 2025
Further information: Matthew Berry, 8571 1713
