Project Manager – Urban Forest

About the team

Christchurch City Council has adopted an ambitious Urban Forest Plan focused on increasing tree canopy cover across the city and enhancing our shared spaces for current and future generations.

The Urban Forest Team sits within the Parks Unit and works collaboratively across Council to ensure tree planning, planting and management is well integrated into projects, programmes and day-to-day operations. Our work supports climate resilience, biodiversity, and community wellbeing across Ōtautahi Christchurch.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager – Urban Forest to lead the delivery of complex projects and programmes that support the implementation of the Urban Forest Plan.

In this role you will provide end-to-end project and programme management, from concept through to delivery and operational handover. You will work closely with internal teams, elected members, tangata whenua, and external stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard.

• Managing urban forest and parks-related projects and programmes in line with Council’s project management methodology
• Leading the preparation of parks tree planting documentation from concept through to implementation
• Providing technical planning advice for tree planting within urban parks and public spaces
• Contributing to strategic plans, activity plans and Council policies
• Managing project risks, budgets, reporting, procurement, and stakeholder engagement
• Supporting effective collaboration across Council and with external partners

• Significant experience (7+ years) in parks, recreation, planning, or a related industry
• Proven project and/or programme management experience, ideally within a local government or public sector environment
• Strong understanding of relevant legislation and planning processes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentations
• The ability to build trusted relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• A collaborative approach and commitment to Council values, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• A relevant tertiary qualification in planning, engineering, or a related discipline is desirable

• Access to training programmes, workshops, and development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements – WFH, adjustable start and finish times, option to purchase extra leave
• Collaboration – exposure to wider areas of the organisation
• Benefits – a variety of benefits for Council staff from health schemes to retail discounts

• Hours of work – up to 40 hours per week, offering flexibility
• Position – Permanent, full time
• Location – This position is primarily based at Botanic Gardens
• Salary – The salary band for this position goes from $96,465 to $107,183 per annum based on a 40 hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader organisation for the same or similar roles.
• Closing date – 20 Feb 2026

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the close date. This means we reserve the right to close a job ad before the advertised close date.

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