Sutherland Shire Council

Parks and Bushland Conservation Manager

Join our Dynamic Parks and Natural Areas Team! We're expanding our team and are looking for dedicated individuals to join us. Help us protect, maintain and enhance our Shire's Sport Precincts, Tree Canopy, Parks and Bushland areas. If you love making a positive community impact, we may have a role for you! 

Parks and Bushland Conservation Manager

Lead with purpose. Shape vibrant, sustainable green spaces for your community.

Are you an inspiring leader with a passion for natural environments and community wellbeing? Join Sutherland Shire Council as our Parks and Bushland Conservation Manager and take the lead in delivering innovative programs that protect, enhance and activate the Shire’s parks, bushland, and community nursery portfolio.

• Lead a high-performing team delivering real impact across parks, bushland and natural assets.

• Drive strategy and innovation in land conservation, nursery operations and community partnerships.

• Grow your career within a progressive Council that values leadership, accountability and the natural environment.

About the Role

In this key leadership role, you will manage a diverse portfolio of parks, bushland areas and community nursery operations. You’ll lead a large team, contractors and volunteers to ensure programs are delivered safely, sustainably and in line with best-practice and community expectations.

You will be responsible for strategic planning, resource and budget management, team development and program performance—ensuring our natural spaces are healthy, resilient and accessible for generations to come.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a confident, strategic leader with qualifications in horticulture, conservation, environmental science or a related field. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing multidisciplinary teams, including volunteers and contractors and fostering a positive, accountable culture.

You will have proven skills in planning and delivering complex natural area management and parks programs, with strong budgeting and performance monitoring experience. Expertise in aligning services with legislation and best practice is essential.

Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills are required, along with a commitment to innovation, sustainability and building trusted relationships within the community and Council. 

This is your opportunity to champion the future of public open space while guiding a dedicated team committed to sustainability, conservation, and service excellence.

How to Apply

Review our Candidate Information Pack and Position Description

Your application will need to include a:

• cover letter highlighting your suitability for the role and addressing the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages)
• current and detailed resume.

Applications close 11.59pm: 15 June 2025

Reach out to Aaron Leahy, Senior Manager Parks & Natural Areas, aleahy@ssc.nsw.gov.au for any job specific enquiries.
Breanna Rivers - brivers@ssc.nsw.gov.au, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks (including Covid-19 Vaccination), and may also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.