Kelly - Reserves Planner (Parks & Gardens Division)

Since 1995. I started with the Leisure Services in a new Technical Officer position. In 2007 I was promoted to the Reserves Asset Manager and in 2007 I was offered the role of Reserves Planner.

• What attracted you to the role?

The widely respected reputation of the Divisional Manager, Leisure Services, and the opportunity to get into the parks industry and use my university training. I was looking to get into a management position in parks. At my interview it was apparent that Council's training opportunities and the variety of the role would be valuable to me. I could see a few areas where I had experience and training to apply but there were far more areas I knew little (or nothing) about.

• What does your job involve – day to day things?

My current role generally involves providing policy and planning service for the Parks and Gardens Division.  I comment on subdivision consent applications. Currently I am working on Reserve Management Plans, Urban Forest Plan, Asset management Plans, 10 year financial forecasting, track review, cemetery review, and the Review of Council's Fee Simple properties. I am involved in cross-division projects such as the CBD plan, sustainability project and the active transport (walking and cycling) strategy.

• Things about the job that you enjoy the most…

Working with a variety of interesting and knowledgable people in house and externally, e.g. engineers, landscape architects, IT, recreational groups, environmental groups, contractors and parks officers from agencies like the Depatment of Conservation and the Regional Council. I like the variety of the projects I work on and I enjoy the variety of roles I am required to perform. Sometimes you provide a small piece of advice for someone else's project and other times you lead projects or developments. It's great to think that some of my work will eventually result in a better City, for example better quality tracks, better quality bush, more attractive coastal areas and a cemetery that meets the requirements of the City's residents. I enjoy working in local government because it contributes to the community I live in. I generally like the political aspect of  Council.

• What is your view of the main benefits of working at HCC / in Lower Hutt?

The variety of projects and training opportunities are important to me. Recently I have appreciated the value Council puts on work/life balance. This allows me to remain in the parks industry and make a contribution to my community, while enjoying family life.

• What skills & attributes do you think someone will need to do your job?

Some academic grounding in parks, planning, ecology, recreation, resource management or landscape archicture. Good written skills are essential as well as experience in coordinating, planning and leading written or physical projects. It is essential to keep up to date with what is happening in the Parks industry.

Click here to see a Job Description for this role.