Head Gardener

Overview

Head Gardener – Heide Museum of Modern Art. This is a permanent full-time position (5 days a week).

Reports to: Facilities Manager

Start date: October 2025

About Heide

Heide Museum of Modern Art (Heide) is a public art museum and sculpture park located in Bulleen, Victoria. Heide offers an inspiring, educational and thought-provoking experience of modern and contemporary art, architecture, social history and gardens.

The heritage-listed Heide gardens include formal kitchen gardens, orchards, native and exotic trees, shrubs, flowering plants, woodlands and parkland that extend over the sloping site to Yaluk Langa on the banks of the Birrarung/Yarra River. Yaluk Langa ('River's Edge' in Woi-wurrung language) is a collaborative indigenous landscape project developed between Traditional Owners and the Heide team.

Across 6.5 hectares, the site includes the original home of John and Sunday Reed, the Reed's architecturally significant second home, larger modern gallery spaces, the Sidney Myer Education Centre and a cafe. Heide presents 10 to 14 temporary exhibitions per year across five exhibition galleries with associated publications, public and education programs. The exhibition program represents both modern and contemporary art, drawn from the Heide Collections and external sources, with a focus on Australian art alongside some international projects.

Heide is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that is respectful and supports creativity and innovation. We encourage applications from First Nations people, people of culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people from the LGBTIQA+ community, and provide a working environment that prioritises Cultural Safety. If you need assistance with this application due to a disability, please contact us at employment@heide.com.au or 03 9850 1500.

Position Description

This position description provides an overview of the role and may change in line with business work plans.

Application Instructions

Applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae and a statement addressing the Key Selection Criteria (no more than half a page per criterion) and be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 26 September 2025 to: employment@heide.com.au. Please state 'Head Gardener & Caretaker Application' in the subject line.

About The Role

Primary focus of the position

The Head Gardener coordinates strategic planning for Heide's gardens and collaborates with all departments to develop programs and promote the museum. The role has direct reports (Gardeners) and manages contractors and volunteers, reporting to the Facilities Manager.

Duties

In fulfilling the primary focus, the following key responsibilities apply:

• Horticultural Management: work with the Facilities Manager to prepare annual and triennial plans for development and maintenance of the grounds; implement comprehensive garden care programs; oversee watering, pest control, pruning, mowing, and arboriculture; advise on landscape plans for redevelopment projects; source and plant stock in line with heritage and indigenous requirements.
• Maintenance of Grounds: maintain external public areas to a high standard of safety and cleanliness; service garden vehicles and equipment; repair and coordinate maintenance of garden and fence structures; assist with sculpture installations and capital works budgeting.
• Management: advise Senior Management Team on parks and gardens imperatives; support Development with funding and sponsorship and marketing strategies; manage gardening staff, volunteers, apprentices and interns; manage external contractors; prepare and monitor budgets; contribute to reporting for Heide Board and Annual Report.
• Public Programmes and Marketing: work with Learning and Audience Engagement to develop programming; contribute to heritage research; represent Heide at events and seminars; assist with function setup and visitor guidance; contribute to social media and EDM updates.
• Communication and Professional Practice: oversee apprentices and volunteers; maintain strong communication with Facilities Manager and Executive Director; liaise with Wurundjeri community and land managers; participate in corporate activities and after-hours programs.
• Additional Skills, Knowledge & Experience: flexible hours; interest in the arts industry.
• Key Selection Criteria: Diploma/Degree in horticulture or landscape gardening; proven management experience with budgets, staff and safety standards; extensive knowledge of horticulture in public environments; experience maintaining large gardens or public parks; understanding of museums and visitor needs; ability to work with minimal supervision; excellent written and verbal communication.
• Other Relevant Information: six-month probation; Gardener hours 7.30am–3.30pm, Monday to Friday with after-hours work as required; security clearances and inductions; commitment to Heide policies and risk management; Heide is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Compensation: $75,000-$85,000 + 12% super

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management

Industries

• Horticulture

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