Meet Kris: Open Space Lead

When you love the area you live in, you have a unique opportunity to make a difference and engage with the community. I am in a rare position where my decisions, such as the types of trees we plant and the landscapes we design in our parks and reserves, can have a significant impact on the community.

My passion has always been the environment and the outdoors. I moved to Melbourne for an apprenticeship, earning qualifications in Landscape & Horticulture. I then gained much experience working in various roles in hard landscaping and garden maintenance before securing a position with the Adelaide City Council in South Australia.

That was a unique role, I managed large events like the Adelaide 500 and the Fringe Festival from a horticultural perspective, gaining a new understanding of how parklands are used and preserved. After five years there, followed by a stint in the private sector and several years with the Botanic Gardens, I landed a role at the City of Holdfast Bay.

At Holdfast Bay, I oversee parks, reserves, sports ovals, trees, streetscapes, and verges, leading a team of 22 casual and full-time staff. My responsibilities include report writing, procurement, project delivery and providing advice on operational schedules.

"Engaging in conversations with the community, listening to their thoughts, and helping them understand our work is crucial."

My role has evolved over time. Initially, increasing biodiversity was a major focus, but today it’s about addressing global warming, heat mapping, and increasing canopy coverage.

To stay current, I’ve continued my education, taking advantage of numerous opportunities for career progression and development within the council. I've recently completed a Diploma of Project Management since starting here, thanks to the council's support.

Our council is high-profile and a popular tourist destination, so we receive a lot of feedback. Engaging in conversations with the community, listening to their thoughts, and helping them understand our work is crucial.

The scale of our work is truly impressive; for instance, five members of my team manage our 30,000+ tree assets. We are always busy, but we love what we do.

Working with councils provides opportunities to get noticed if you put in the effort. The working culture is fantastic, with strong relationships and support from colleagues. Council offers significant benefits, such as health, skin, and hearing checks, and provides flexibility with working hours to promote work-life balance.

My advice to job seekers is to thoroughly research the role they are applying for and understand any relevant legislation and compliance issues. Demonstrating knowledge of Australian standards and compliance can make a significant difference in an interview when looking for a role at a council.