Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Temporary opportunity until September 2027, with possible conversion to ongoing
• Full-time (35 hours/week), with hybrid working arrangements
• Based at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney or Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $145,378 to $168,130 + super

The role
We're looking for someone who can lead the charge in embedding sustainability and social impact thinking into the everyday workings of the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. In this role, you’ll shape and drive strategies that influence how we operate, engage and deliver meaningful change—whether that's developing internal policy, managing risk, guiding initiatives, or inspiring action across all parts of our business. It’s a pivotal role focused on building internal capability, leading by influence, and using our strong public platform to promote broader environmental and social outcomes.

You’ll need to navigate complex priorities, manage stakeholder relationships across diverse teams, and balance competing objectives. It’s a unique opportunity for a strategic thinker and skilled change agent to lead programs that help us grow as a sustainable, resilient, inclusive and future-focused organisation.

This role may be required to travel periodically to the Botanic Gardens’ other sites, including the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan and the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden Mount Tomah.

Please note: The Mount Annan office is not easily accessible by public transport. If you choose to work from this location, you will need to ensure you can attend this location as required.

For more information read the full Role Description: Head of Environmental Sustainability & Social Impact


What you will bring to the role

• A strong track record in leading and implementing environmental and social sustainability strategies in complex organisations or government settings.
• Demonstrated sustainability expertise and a clear understanding of public environmental policy, ESG frameworks, legislation and reporting standards, including for net zero and climate related financial disclosure reporting.
• Experience influencing change at a senior level—bringing people together, shifting mindsets and embedding sustainability principles into day-to-day operations.
• Proven project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives from planning through to delivery and impact tracking.
• A collaborative leadership style and exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across all levels and inspire collective action.
• Deep knowledge of emerging sustainability trends, policies, risks and opportunities, with the ability to think strategically and act pragmatically.
• Confidence in guiding the development of sustainability-related policies, risk management plans and disclosures to strengthen organisational resilience and accountability.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline like sustainability, environmental science, organisational development, or related field
• Current NSW Driver Licence

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.


Join us
If 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 Tuesday 29^th July 2025.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Gabrielle Collins on gabrielle.collins@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