Job Description.

W&Co Search is proud to partner with Merri-bek City Council in the recruitment of the Unit Manager Open Space Maintenance.

Merri-bek is one of Melbourne’s most diverse, community-centred and environmentally progressive municipalities. With an urban landscape that blends established neighbourhoods, significant parklands, sporting precincts and valued creek corridors, Merri-bek is committed to enhancing liveability, improving biodiversity and creating inclusive open spaces that reflect the community’s values. The organisation is known for its leadership in climate action, natural environment management and strong collaboration with Traditional Owners and local residents.

Merri-bek Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of the municipality and is committed to ongoing partnership and reconciliation. Merri-bek is also a Child Safe Organisation with zero tolerance for child abuse, recognising that children and young people have the right to be and feel safe and supported in all Council environments.

Merri-bek City Council is seeking a skilled and people-focused leader to manage the Open Space Maintenance Unit and help deliver the well maintained, attractive and environmentally resilient open spaces the community values. This senior role oversees maintenance of parks, reserves, streetscapes, natural spaces and importantly sportsgrounds, including ongoing collaboration with local sporting clubs. These relationships are central to community expectations and are a key political and service priority for the role.

Reporting to the Manager Open Space and Environment, you will lead a team delivering maintenance operations, emergency response programs and long-term improvement planning. The role plays a central part in conserving and enhancing Merri-bek’s natural environment, supporting bushland and creek management and ensuring high service standards that reflect community expectations and evolving environmental conditions.

You will create an inclusive and high performing culture where staff feel supported, valued and equipped to meet emerging challenges including climate adaptation, biodiversity management and customer-centered service improvement. Strong collaboration across the organisation is essential as you contribute to open space policy development, strategic planning and delivery of Council’s broader environmental and community strategies.

The role includes the development of asset improvement plans, oversight of operational budgets, contractor management and reporting to organisational KPIs. You will also play an important part in emergency management as a Deputy Emergency Management Officer, helping coordinate Council’s response and recovery activities when required.

This role suits an experienced leader who understands open space operations, values collaborative engagement and is confident managing relationships with sporting clubs, community groups and internal stakeholders. It offers the chance to make a visible impact on liveability, sustainability and community wellbeing across a vibrant and diverse municipality.

To view the Position Description for this opportunity, please copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://shorturl.at/zWOBn

For a confidential discussion, please contact Ashley Wilkes, Director at W&Co Search, on 0448 007 653 or via info@wcosearch.com

Applications should include a one page cover letter and a detailed resume outlining your relevant experience and alignment to the role.