Phil Parker

Parks Officer
South Waikato District Council
20 years working in local government

"There is a good mix of  both office and ‘on the job’ work"

Maintaining public grounds for the community

My job entails being responsible for ensuring the maintenance and upgrading is carried out on all the Council’s sports grounds, parks, reserves, gardens and cemeteries. I supervise and monitor contracts to ensure standards are met to specifications and on time.

I arrange for a variety of maintenance work to be carried out within these areas, and process invoices to ensure contractors are paid on time. Also part of my job is to plan and organize tree and shrub maintenance/replacements, maintain cemetery records and ensure correct funeral arrangements are made, respond to public inquiries/complaints and arrange any necessary action required, and complete playground safety inspections bi-monthly.

Planning and communication skills

Skills necessary for this job include having a broad knowledge of plants, good planning skills such as being able to identify and prioritise tasks and ascertain what resources are required, being able to communicate well verbally, and resolve any minor conflicts that arise with contractors or the public.

Qualifications required

Qualifications that are essential would be a Trade certificate in Horticulture, or National Certificate/ Diploma in Horticulture or similar.

Variety in the job

What I like most about my job is the variety. There is a good mix of both office and ‘on the job’ work… getting out to meet the public regarding their inquiries and complaints, meeting the contractors/arborists on site to arrange work to be completed, instructing and helping school children with planting programmes such as Arbor day, performing ‘on site’ audits with contractors, etc.

I enjoy working in local government mainly because I really enjoy being responsible for public assets, and ensuring ratepayers get value for their money. I see that as a principle worth striving for, and enjoy the challenge in making sure that it happens in the areas I am responsible for.

Working at South Waikato District Council

I particularly enjoy working for the South Waikato District Council, as they are friendly, communicate well with regular staff updates and a monthly Council staff magazine, promote healthy living with Council sports teams/Council participation in external sporting competitions, provide encouragement to perform your work well with a reward system/ giving of awards, plus opportunities to socialize and participate in the social club events.