Head Gardener

Reference: VG/FEDSQ/CE/1839695Occupation: Trades and ServicesSalary Range: $109,730 - $121,247The Head Gardener will be responsible for the curation, management, care, and interpretation of gardens at Federation Square and Laak Boorndap.
We are seeking a passionate and curious gardener, a lifelong learner able to apply their knowledge to this role as it develops.
In addition to horticultural qualifications, you will have experience in the curation and care of display gardens, particularly with successional, multi-layered diverse plantings, and demonstrated horticultural experience, including the use of tools, equipment, and machinery.
This is a public-facing role where character and attitude will be key to fostering positive relationships and enhancing experiences for all visitors and stakeholders within the precinct.
The role requires the ability to manage relationships and experiences that arise in a dynamic public environment with professionalism and approachability.Organisation OverviewMAP 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 10 million 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 RoleThe 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.We are seeking a passionate and curious gardener, a lifelong learner able to apply their knowledge to this role as it develops.
In addition to horticultural qualifications, you will have experience in the curation and care of display gardens, particularly with successional, multi-layered diverse plantings, and demonstrated horticultural experience, including the use of tools, equipment, and machinery.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 partner 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.Demonstrated experience in horticulture and gardening, particularly in curating and managing public spaces.Experience working with a diverse range of plants, with a focus on high-value amenity horticulture.Experience in building, mentoring, and leading a team, with a focus on collaboration and professional development.Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with diverse stakeholders, including visitors, colleagues, and community members.Experience in delivering public education programs, workshops, or interpretive initiatives.Physical fitness and capacity to undertake manual tasks in an outdoor environment across all seasons.Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.Recruitment processYou can read more about our recruitment process at this link: https://fedsquare.com/careersPlease let us know in your cover letter if you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process or the role.
MAP Co is committed to ensuring that all applicants are afforded an equitable opportunity to be considered for our roles.MAP Co will undertake background checks on the successful candidate in line with requirements set by the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner (OVIC).ApplicationsKindly note that applications will be reviewed for shortlisting throughout the advertisement period, so we encourage applicants to apply without delay.Please provide a covering letter (maximum 1 page) and your resume (maximum 4 pages).To apply for this role, you will be redirected to the Fed Square job application system.
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