Horticulturist (canberra)

Who we are

Parks Australia is the federal agency that manages national parks, marine parks, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads research and conservation planning for parks and the Botanic Gardens.

Our work includes

• Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia.
• Leading cross‐cutting research, such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving.
• Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans.
• Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, the nation's largest living collection of native plants.
• Facilitating research, science capacity building and education.
• Curating national collections of biological data and conserving plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex‐situ conservation.
• Regulatory compliance, operational frameworks and capability support for the use of drones across the Department.

The job

Responsibilities:

• Undertake horticultural maintenance duties related to the Australian National Botanic Gardens collections and displays, including weeding, pruning, watering, and pest/disease control.
• Ensure the protected use and regular maintenance of plant and equipment in accordance with Gardens practices.
• Ensure the safe use of chemicals and fertilisers.
• Provide information to the horticultural record system and section planning managed by the Horticultural Coordinator.
• Assist the public with information about the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
• Follow Australian National Botanic Gardens Workplace Health and Safety policies.

What you'll gain from the experience

The chance to contribute to the conservation of the Australian National Botanic Gardens living collections and broader plant conservation in Australia.

What we are looking for

• Demonstrated experience in horticultural maintenance using a range of plant and equipment, preferably in a high‐presentation ornamental landscape.
• Proven ability to work effectively as an individual and as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff and the public.
• Knowledge and understanding of Government policies on Workplace Participation, Workplace Diversity and Workplace Health and Safety.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow established horticultural work programs and adapt to changing operational priorities.
• Ability to accurately record field observations and contribute to plant record updates and maintenance schedules.
• Ability to identify and report horticultural issues—such as irrigation faults, plant health concerns, or safety hazards—in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and willingness to actively participate in a team.