Te Kaaroro Head of Environment & Construction

Set in over 90 hectares of lush and tranquil surroundings, the Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct is home to the Hamilton Zoo and Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park.  These well-loved community assets play an important part in connecting people with nature and conservation activities and providing fun experiences that inform and educate visitors.  

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Environment & Construction to lead the delivery of impactful construction projects that support our mission of connecting people to our taonga and inspiring kaitiakitanga. This pivotal role contributes to the long-term growth and sustainability of the Precinct by creating enriching environments for both animals and people.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of construction projects that align with the Precinct’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with internal teams including animal care and education specialists to ensure seamless integration of projects into operations and visitor experiences.
• Implement robust project management, quality control, and reporting processes to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage contractors, vendors, and subcontractors, ensuring adherence to specifications, timelines, and budgets.
• Oversee procurement of materials, equipment, and services, ensuring cost-effectiveness and sustainability.
• Monitor budgets and track expenses in collaboration with the Programme Manager.
• Identify and mitigate project risks to ensure successful outcomes.
• Champion environmentally sustainable practices to minimize ecological impact.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in partnership with H&S leadership.
• Foster strong relationships with stakeholders including council departments, regulatory authorities, and community partners.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of consistent design principles across all capital projects.
• Support team development through mentoring, coaching, and identifying training needs.
• Actively participate in the Precinct’s strategic and business planning processes.
• Deputize for the Precinct Director when required.
• Lead the development and ongoing review of the Zoo’s Master Plan.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing team culture focused on outcomes and continuous improvement.

About You:

You are a strategic thinker with a strong background in construction project management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable design. You thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about contributing to conservation and education through innovative infrastructure.

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• Tertiary Qualification relative to the construction/project management industry with at least 10 years proven experience (client-side is preferable)
• Demonstrable experience in delivery all stages of the project lifecycle is essential.
• Proven experience in delivering medium to large projects.
• Experience managing projects in a public/visitor experience environment is desirable.
• Experience in implementing and managing construction contract types including but not limited to NZ 3910 & NZ 3916, CCCS, IPENZ and typical Council templates for Minor to Medium works.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to relate well to a range of people fostering collaboration.
• High level of relationship management experience including managing conflict resolution
• Strong mentoring, training, and coaching skills
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to effectively delegate while maintaining forward motion on key deliverables.
• Excellent business and technical writing skills are desirable.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism whilst representing Te Kaaroro at meetings, workshops, and conferences.
• Capable of managing cross functional teams and multiple projects
• Capable of reading drawings and schematics
• Proficient in MS Office and other project management tools

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $123,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 12/09/2025

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. This role is Safety Sensitive so a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol test will be required. View more information about these checks and our commitment to the Privacy act here by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings. 

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.