Head Gardener

**Organisation Overview**

MAP Co is a state government entity responsible for the delivery of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation project as well as the operations, programming, promotion and maintenance of Federation Square and the new Melbourne Arts Precinct public spaces.

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation Project will boost Melbourne's standing as a creative and cultural capital and help to harness the immense potential of one of the most vibrant arts corridors in the world. It will deliver The Fox: NGV Contemporary, a new gallery dedicated to contemporary art and design; significant upgrades to Arts Centre Melbourne's Theatres Building including the State Theatre and Laak Boorndap, an 18,000 square meter garden and public space in the heart of the precinct;
Planted entirely on an elevated deck in the centre of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, Laak Boorndap will be a densely planted, multi-layered, and continuously flowering garden for people, art and performance, creating stunning new green space in our city. The garden is designed by the Melbourne studio of international design practice HASSELL and New York's SO-IL, along with internationally renowned horticulturalists and plant experts, James Hitchmough, Nigel Dunnet and local practice Superbloom. This remarkable new public garden is at the forefront of contemporary garden design - unique in the world in its naturalistic planting style, density, scale and climate resiliency.

Fed Square, Melbourne's town square and the gateway to Melbourne Arts Precinct, is an iconic, heritage listed gathering place, occupying a 5.2-hectare site bounded by Swanston Street, Flinders Street, the Russell Street extension, Birrarung Marr and the Yarra River/Birrarung. With nearly 10m visitors and nearly 400 events each year, home to NGVA, KHT and ACMI and the gateway to the Arts, Sports, Entertainment Precincts and CBD precincts of Melbourne, Federation Square is a powerful platform to connect community to nature and biodiversity through its plantings, programs and partnerships.

**About the Role**

The Head Gardener will be responsible for the curation, management, care, and interpretation of gardens at Federation Square and Laak Boorndap. The role is situated in the Programming and Interpretation Team and combines gardening, programming, interpretation and management.

As a high-quality communicator, you will have demonstrated skills in the interpretation and programming of gardens. You will be a leader who works well with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and communities and has experience managing small teams.

The role will be required to operate across distinct phases of the development of Laak Boorndap and the implementation of the Fed Sq Greening Masterplan and therefore have evolving responsibilities and accountabilities.

**Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities**:

- During the design and construction phase of Laak Boorndap, work closely with builders, designers and precinct partners on the development of a garden care management model that includes procurement and supply chains for succession planting, tools and manuals, documentation, and staffing and resourcing approaches.
- During the implementation of the Fed Sq Greening Masterplan, work closely with internal teams to deliver the masterplan and develop a garden care management plan for Fed Square
- Supervision, curation and ongoing management of Laak Boorndap and gardens at Fed Square, ensuring high standards of horticulture, display and visitor experience.
- Conduct general horticultural maintenance, including planting, pruning, mulching, weeding, and irrigation across both sites. Build and sustain relationships with key community and industry stakeholders.
- Develop and deliver programs, interpretative materials and activities in collaboration with the Programming and Interpretation team that inspire and engage visitors, developing a sense of ownership across diverse communities, providing practical gardening advice and building an understanding of issues.
- Lead and manage the team of horticultural staff, to ensure that the gardens are sustained to the highest standard of function, display and presentation.
- Utilise where required consultants and contractors to support and deliver required gardening works.
- Manage contractors for specific garden projects and management operations as appropriate.
- Support the Programming and Interpretation team and partners in the installation of artworks, performances and activities in the gardens.
- Represent MAP Co and its gardens at relevant forums and networking events, and develop relationships with partners organisations.
- Maintain an annual garden budget, monitoring performance and ensuring efficient cost controls.
- Maintain accurate records of plantings, maintenance schedules, and plant health.
- A full position description will be provided to shortlisted applicants._

**Essential Skills**:

- Demonstrated experience in hortic