Horticultural Supervisor

Company description:

At Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, we lead conservation efforts in the field and participate in regional and global conservation breeding programs to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild. We also operate two wildlife hospitals that treat and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, as well as providing best practice health care for the animals at our Zoos.

Taronga has a deep commitment to conservation science. In Australia and internationally, we work with universities, governments and conservation partners to respond to challenges impacting wildlife and people. We also have a proud tradition of delivering conservation education programs that increase knowledge and awareness and inspire students to become global leaders in conservation. Taronga receives support from the NSW Government and the Taronga Foundation. Established in 2000, the Taronga Foundation raises funds for conservation, education programs and wildlife in our care.

Job description:

• Located at Sydney's Iconic - Taronga Zoo
• Ongoing, full-time position
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Horticulturalist Supervisor Grade 1, annual package $94,721 (includes base salary $83,572 + plus superannuation & leave loading)

Taronga Zoo Sydney is looking for an experienced and motivated Horticulture Supervisor to join our Wildlife Operations team

As Horticultural Supervisor at Taronga, you'll guide a talented team in shaping vibrant landscapes, restoring native bushland, and driving sustainable practices across exhibits and grounds. With your expertise in garden development, regeneration, and operational planning, you'll create spaces that inspire visitors and support conservation.

About the Role…

This position leads the day to day operations of all horticultural services for the presentation of exhibits, botanical collections and grounds, maintenance of bush land areas using natural area restoration techniques, urban forest management and essential animal food collection service for the exhibited collection.

Key Accountabilities…

• Supervise, develop and deploy horticultural resources and staff so that all resources are matched to Taronga's priorities.
• Develop, supervise, and carry out work and maintenance programs ensuring programmed maintenance and horticultural activities are aligned with Taronga's strategic goals.
• Provide technical advice to colleagues, management, internal and external stakeholders in relation to horticultural maintenance and plant management strategies.
• Develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with key internal and external contacts to achieve a strategic approach to all requests and the responsive provision of advice and information within set deadlines.
• Maintain security, maintenance and records of the Taronga's assets including plant and equipment in accordance with established protocols, policies and procedures.
• Work effectively as a member of a high performing team, to assist Taronga in its achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Comply with and suggest sustainability practices in the workplace to help achieve Taronga's sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact.

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

• Recognised Trade or Horticulture certificate or equivalent experience
• Current NSW Drivers License or ability to have existing license formally recognised
• Pre employment Tuberculosis Screening
• NSW paid Working with Children Check

Benefits…

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

• Flexible Hybrid work model - Taronga supports a blend of in-office, remote, and on-the-go workers
• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo Zoo's
• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods
• A wide range of discounts on our award winning accommodation across both sites
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites
• Discounted Fitness Passport
• We're a social team - there's always lots going on around the zoo that we get involved with
• • more

We Value Diversity…

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.

About Applying…

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application.

1. Please outline your experience in supervising small teams in a horticultural or similar setting?
2. Why have you applied for this role and why do you want to work at Taronga?

Applications Close:11:59pm 29 October 2025

We offer:

Together, we take on meaningful projects and work towards our shared vision of a better and wilder future. It's all about the mini moments that contribute to our mighty mission and shape our collective success.