AddressWho we are
Australia's natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them.
The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.
Australia's National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) is the nation's largest living collection of Australian native plants. It's a tranquil setting for walking and spending time with family and friends, and a living classroom for visitors of all ages. The Gardens play a significant role in the conservation and propagation of rare and threatened plants.
The Conservation and Nursery team are dedicated horticulturists working to investigate the propagation and growing requirements of Australian native plants. We grow plants for showcasing in the ANBG as part of the world's largest collection of Australian flora. We also have an increasing focus on collaborative conservation projects.
The Job
In this role and under the guidance of the Nursery Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Undertaking nursery horticultural maintenance and propagation tasks on a broad range of Australian flora in a nursery environment.
- Applying specialist horticultural skills to investigate the propagation and growing requirements of Australian native plant species.
- Maintaining accurate plant collection records using a range of recording and tracking mechanisms (including the use of databases) to retain the integrity of scientific plant collections and nursery stock records.
- Assisting to develop, coordinate and implement nursery horticultural plans.
- Assisting to manage nursery horticultural infrastructure and environmental control systems, ensuring that its capability and programming reflects horticultural objectives.
- Working cooperatively in a small team environment and within nursery operating procedures, including assisting to train and develop new staff members.
- Contributing to plant collection and conservation projects including project tracking, reporting and communication.
- Undertaking all tasks according to WH&S and Parks Australia risk assessment policies and procedures.
What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience:
- Experience in growing a diverse range of Australian plants.
- Understanding of propagation and cultivation environments and experience with the day-to-day management and monitoring of nursery horticultural infrastructure.
- Experience in coordinating horticultural propagation and cultivation trials.
- Experience in the identification of pests, disease and plant nutrition issues and management strategies to address them in a nursery setting.
Skills and capabilities:
- Demonstrated record keeping competency, including an understanding of the importance of accuracy in plant stock control and cultivated specimen management.
- High-level communication skills including presentation of data and preparation of high-quality written reports.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a small team coordinator in horticultural operations.
Desirable Qualifications:
- A Certificate IV in Horticulture or equivalent.
