Senior Horticulturist

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

• Permanent full-time opportunity (38 hours/week)
• Based at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $83,832 to $92,701 + super

The role

Are you a skilled horticulturist with leadership experience and a passion for managing vibrant garden landscapes? As our Senior Horticulturist turf, you'll lead a dedicated team responsible for maintaining turf and living plant collections across the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney estate. You'll oversee day-to-day Turf operations, guide staff development, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and sustainable horticultural practices.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic public environment, enjoys mentoring others, and is confident juggling competing priorities. You'll work closely with internal teams and external partners, contribute to landscape development, and play a key role in preserving and enhancing one of Australia's premier botanic gardens.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Horticulturist

What you will bring to the role

• Hold a current Australian Driver Licence
• Proven experience in managing horticultural teams and large-scale garden environments
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to support staff development and performance
• Expertise in turf and living collections management, including plant records and restoration
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads in a high-use public setting
• Knowledge of WHS practices and commitment to safety and quality standards
• Effective communication and collaboration skills across internal and external stakeholders
• Willingness to work flexibly, including weekends and fieldwork when required

Essential requirements:

• Horticultural trades certificate or equivalent experience and technical knowledge in horticulture and maintenance techniques.

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.

Why join our team?

• Fantastic Team Culture - Be a part of passionate and hard-working teams who approach their busy day-to-day work with good humour and a sense of fun
• Genuine long-term Career Opportunities - Opportunity to grow your career as a Senior Horticulturalist specialist.
• Focus on Wellbeing and Work/Life Balance – A regular rostered/allocated day off can be accrued. The Fitness Passport program gives members discounted access to gym, aquatic, and leisure facilities across NSW.
• Benefits – Staff are entitled to supplied Uniform, tools of trade, mobile phone. A fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long- term career support Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed

Join us

If you are 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 Wednesday 10th September

Should you require further information about the role please contact Anthony Bashall on or

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 or HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.