Who 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.

The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels. Our work includes:

• Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia
• Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas 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, home to our Branch and the nation’s largest living collection of native plants
• Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes
• Facilitating research and science capacity building and education
• Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting 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 Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG), on the lower slopes of Black Mountain in Canberra, hosts the nation’s largest living collection of Australian native plants. The ANBG features over 4,000 species representing one-fifth of Australia’s known native plants with over 78,000 plants growing on site. It is the only place in the world you can see this diversity of Australian flora in one location. The living collection is an important scientific resource.

The scientific basis of the ANBG’s collection means scientists from around the world refer to the ANBG for information. The ANBG is involved in in situ conservation of threatened species, ex situ cultivation and propagation trials, and the collection of seeds for the National Seed Bank for conservation, study and reintroduction into their native habitats.

The Conservation Horticulture team includes the production nursery, tropical collections, and plant collection records. The team is responsible for propagating and cultivating a broad diversity of Australian native flora using specialised horticultural facilities. We also manage the scientific data, tags and labels associated with the living plant collections. Our highly skilled team produces plants for the ANBG as well as restoration projects, and has an increasing role in collaborative plant research and conservation.

The Job

• Develop strategic plans for the ANBG living collection and conservation programs.
• Lead and manage the Conservation Horticulture team at the ANBG, including work programs, staffing, and budget management. This includes oversight of the nursery, the Ian Potter National Conservatory plant collection and plant records functions.
• Manage collaborative conservation and research projects, including planning, project management, partnership agreements and reporting.
• Assist to build the ANBG’s role and influence in plant conservation, including through development of strategies, publishing of articles/papers, and promotion through collaborative networks.
• Develop partnerships with relevant government agencies, conservation groups and organisations to support conservation and horticultural programs of the ANBG.
• As part of the ANBG Management team, contribute to the management of the ANBG consistent with the ANBG Management Plan.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrated and practical experience in delivering conservation outcomes including knowledge of Australian plants, ecological or botanical science.
• Demonstrated experience at effectively managing staff, work plans and budgets.
• Experience at delivering multi-stakeholder projects and contract management.

Skills and capabilities

• Demonstrated leadership and strategic planning abilities, including fostering a culture of positive organisational behaviour and building staff capability in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective networks, develop collaborations and partnerships with a wide range of external partners.
• Well-developed skills in communication, negotiation, influencing and manage relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and analyse complex issues and recommend solutions.

Desirable qualifications

Relevant tertiary qualifications in ecological, conservation or botanical sciences.

The successful applicant must:

• Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

Eligibility and other requirements

• Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
• Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.