Horticulture Ranger

APS 4 - $72,002 - $78,386 per annum plus superannuation
- Parks Australia Division
- Booderee National Park
- _As part of a small team responsible for the management of the living collection of Australian flora and the Botanic Gardens site you will be required to perform a range of horticultural maintenance duties._

**Identified position** - This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

**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.

Booderee National Park, with its coastal habitats is one of three national parks, leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. In addition to ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage, this branch also looks after Parks Australia’s corporate services from the office in Canberra including, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Customer Experience and Destination Planning.

Beyond the spinifex sand plains of arid central Australia lies Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, one of three national parks leased by their Aboriginal owners to the Director of National Parks, and jointly managed by Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Parks Australia assists with ongoing management of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. This branch also manages a rich and fascinating range of island ecosystems and habitats, including oceanic Pulu Keeling, Norfolk and Christmas Island National Parks.

Booderee Botanic Gardens is Australia’s only Aboriginal - owned botanic garden. A place for relaxation, education, and research it houses a scientific living collection of Australian native plants representing south-east coastal flora with a particular focus on plants of cultural significance to the local Aboriginal Community. It is a tranquil setting for walking and spending time with family and friends, and a living classroom for visitors of all ages. The Gardens play a significant role in the conservation and propagation of rare and threatened plants.

**The Job**
Under the general supervision and at the direction of the Horticultural Supervisor:

- assist with the management, maintenance and presentation of the living collection, the nursery, and landscaped and natural areas of the Botanic Gardens,
- provide information relating to the Booderee Botanic Gardens to school groups and members of the public,
- assist with implementing and maintaining conservation and rehabilitation programs and projects,
- plan for and participate in WHS, risk management, workplace participation and diversity programs, fire, and emergency and compliance operations,
- undertake park operations and report as required in accordance with Management Plan, Lease, Code of Conduct relevant policies and guidelines,
- share the Traditional Owner’s vision for the future of the park and participate in the exchange of knowledge, experience and skills between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff, the community and public.

**What we are looking for**

**Knowledge and experience**
- An understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
- Demonstrated high level of relevant training, knowledge, and experience in horticultural management of plants in a landscape setting, including a proven ability to recognise weeds, pests, diseases and nutritional requirements, and proven ability to implement appropriate control methods.
- Ability to work under limited supervision and provide guidance and direction to less exper