Turf Manager/Senior Horticulturalist & Greenkeeper/Horticulturalist/Gardener

The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General is seeking candidates experienced in Horticulture/Turf/Gardening who are passionate about supporting the development and maintenance of the landscape at Government House Canberra. 

Government House is located in the suburb of Yarralumla, Canberra ACT, the property covers 54 hectares and is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage list. It comprises of both heritage buildings and landscape elements including heritage gardens, significant lawns, tree plantings and a mob of eastern grey kangaroos. The grounds consist of 10 hectares of tendered gardens, 8 hectares of irrigated turf and 32 hectares of drylands with the remaining being hard landscape elements and buildings.  

Government House, Yarralumla is a secure site with free parking. As a member of the Horticultural Operations Team, you will receive a competitive salary plus 15.4% superannuation on top of your base salary. 

You will be able to access flexible working arrangements and paid shut down between Christmas and New Years (pending allocation of on call requirements). You will also receive free uniforms and work with modern machinery and equipment.

Horticulturalists/Greenkeepers - GHO2/3 

The Horticulturalists/Greenkeepers will work on duties associated with horticulture/turf development and maintenance, including assisting with the irrigation systems and event preparations depending on the priorities for the team. The successful candidates will be expected to have knowledge and experience in horticulture, gardening and/or turf, be able to work with limited supervision, work cooperatively with other team members, and display a willing attitude and proven reliability. The successful candidates will need to adopt safe work practices at all times.

Horticulturalists/Greenkeepers - GHO2/3 

The Horticulturalists/Greenkeepers will work on duties associated with horticulture/turf development and maintenance, including assisting with the irrigation systems and event preparations depending on the priorities for the team. The successful candidates will be expected to have knowledge and experience in horticulture, gardening and/or turf, be able to work with limited supervision, work cooperatively with other team members, and display a willing attitude and proven reliability. The successful candidates will need to adopt safe work practices at all times.

Horticulturalist/Greenkeeper - GHO2/3 

• Under direction, undertake assigned horticultural/turf work to agreed standards. 
• Understand relevant health and safety requirements, and operate to the highest standards of safety at all times. 
• Operate and maintain a wide range of plant and equipment used in landscape maintenance. 
• Work effectively as part of the Horticultural Operations Team.  
• Undertake duties associated with events, such as setting up infrastructure and welcoming guests.  

Senior Horticulturalist/Turf Manager - GHO4/5

• Under limited direction of the Horticultural Operations Coordinator, be responsible for the tasking of teams to undertake the delivery, development and maintenance of the Government House heritage landscape in accordance with agreed strategies and plans. 
• Provide professional advice on a broad range of horticultural, turf, irrigation management, landscape design, chemical application, WHS, and environmental issues. This includes the training of staff as necessary. 
• Provide advice on environmental management issues to ensure that the Office works within sound environmental and heritage value frameworks. 
• Oversee or arrange for staff to be trained in and understand work health & safety requirements and maintain a high standard of safety at all times. 
• Undertake the administrative operations of the section including staff performance reviews, purchasing, budget management, contactor management and managing the equipment replacement. Includes supervision of any administrative assistance to the team.

• Formal qualifications including horticulture, gardening and/or turf management with a minimum of two years previous experience is desired, however equivalent proven extensive horticultural/turf/gardening experience will be considered.  
• A current manual driver’s license and appropriate medical clearance is required.  

To be eligible for employment, applicants must be Australian Citizens. All positions at the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General are prescribed and the successful applicant will need to pass and maintain a security clearance. 

To apply for these positions, please visit the Careers and Current Vacancies Page on the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General (OOSGG) website

If you require any further information on the role, please contact Glenn Huender, Horticultural Coordinator, on (02) 6283 3***.  For further information about the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General – including structure, corporate objectives and the Governor-General’s program – visit www.gg.gov.au or view the Position Description attached