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• Permanent full-time opportunity (38 hours/week)
• Based at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $83,832 to $92,701 + super

The role
In this role, you will lead a team of dedicated horticultural staff in maintaining the exceptional standards of our gardens. You will provide day-to-day supervision, foster a positive team culture, and support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and training.

You’ll also be actively involved in plant care, assist with planning and coordinating horticultural activities, and ensure the smooth delivery of daily operations and longer-term projects. In addition, you will contribute to the maintenance of accurate plant records, collaborate with various departments to provide horticultural expertise which support the ongoing development of our living collections.

This is a rewarding opportunity to apply your horticultural knowledge and leadership skills within one of Australia’s premier botanic gardens. If you’re passionate about plants, thrive in an outdoor environment, and take pride in developing and supporting others, we encourage you to apply.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Horticulturist


What you will bring to the role

• Hold a current Australian Driver Licence
• Ability to undertake fieldwork for extended periods (outside of normal working hours and on weekends if required) and have the ability to lift and carry a minimum 15 kilos.
• Proven team leadership experience with the ability to develop and manage a diverse team
• Extensive experience in project management
• Proficiency in maintenance of large-scale gardens
• Strong self-management skills, effective communication, ability to work collaboratively
• A passion for horticulture and commitment to improving and enhancing heritage plant collections

Essential requirements:

• Horticultural trades certificate or equivalent experience and technical knowledge in horticulture and maintenance techniques

About us
Botanic Gardens of Sydney, under the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, is Australia’s oldest scientific institution and a custodian of over $1.2 billion in cultural, heritage, and botanical collections. As the premier botanical research institute, we encompass world-leading botanic gardens and Sydney’s leading outdoor live entertainment precinct. We engage international, national, and regional visitors, making us a leading entity in the NSW tourism sector.


Why join our team?

• Fantastic Team Culture - Be a part of passionate and hard-working teams who approach their busy day-to-day work with good humour and a sense of fun
• Genuine long-term Career Opportunities - Opportunity to grow your career as a Senior Horticulturalist specialist.
• Focus on Wellbeing and Work/Life Balance – A regular rostered/allocated day off can be accrued. The Fitness Passport program gives members discounted access to gym, aquatic, and leisure facilities across NSW.
• Benefits – Staff are entitled to supplied Uniform, tools of trade, mobile phone. A fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long- term career support Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed

Join us
If you are excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 11.55pm on Sunday 31st August 2025.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Ian Black on 02 9231 8368 or ian.black@botanicgardens.nsw.gov.au.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.