Open Space Planner

.

• Are you passionate about enhancing green spaces and fostering community engagement?
• Support the implementation of Auckland's local parks management plan programme
• Connect people and ideas to deliver greater value in parks and open space planning

Join us

Come join a small team striving to make a big difference to Tāmaki Makaurau's network of parks and open spaces.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 

It's an exciting time for our Service Investment & Programming unit within the Policy department. Driving change in how we plan and deliver services for the communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and strengthening our capacity to deliver for Māori. 

We have two opportunities to join the Park's Planning tīma within the Service Investment and Programming unit, where we form an integral part of delivering the Auckland Plan 2050 linking Policy and Community delivery teams. One as an Intermediate Planner until August 2026, and one as an Open Space Analyst until July 2027. 

As one of our Intermediate Planners, you'll support our programme to develop community-focused multi-park management plans for Auckland's 21 Local Boards covering over 4,000 parks. You'll also support and lead projects to masterplan our significant parks and community spaces, and to develop our practice and processes so that we can deliver improved community outcomes and advice to elected officials and other departments. 

As our Analyst, you'll play a key role in supporting the team's work programme through varied research and advice. Your tasks will include submission analysis, literature reviews and planning for community engagement. No two days are the same.  

A key focus of these roles is to continue to evolve our approach to Auckland's parks and open space planning to meet the challenges of planning, investing in, and managing the largest local and regional parks network in Australasia. Our parks, open spaces and community buildings need to respond to a growing and more diverse Auckland, and a climate emergency, within the context of a constrained financial environment. 

He kōrero mōu: About you

We're looking for an experienced planning professional with the capability to support a significant strategic work programme. You'll have strong stakeholder and relationship management skills and ability to work constructively within a diverse political environment. 

You'll enjoy working in a collaborative and flexible team environment and relish the opportunity to influence community and open space outcomes across a complex organisational environment. You'll also enjoy multi-disciplinary research and analysing evidence to form quality advice.

Knowledge of the Reserves Act 1977 and how Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi principles impact planning and decision-making on parks would be highly advantageous.

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, but you don't quite match all the stated job requirements, please tell us in your own words how your skills or competences could help you do the job successfully. 

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Auckland Council is one of the largest local authorities in the South Pacific providing essential services and facilities to more than 1.5 million people. 

In return for your hard work, you can expect a flexible and supportive work environment. Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini. My success is not mine alone, but the success of many.

Open Space Planner Position Description 

Please note, formal title is Service & Asset Planner and opportunity is until August 2026

Open Space Analyst Position Description

Please note, formal title is Service & Asset Planning Analyst and opportunity is until July 2027  

Applications close Tuesday, 16th December 2025

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer. We serve the diverse communities of Tāmaki Makaurau and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, educational background, or religious beliefs. We also welcome applications from our Rainbow communities as well as disabled and neurodivergent people. We are committed to making our hiring process accessible to everyone. If you require any support or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.