Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 680692
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Lead with Purpose – Horticulture Site Manager

Are you ready to take the lead in managing some of South Australia's most iconic and treasured landscapes? We're seeking two skilled and passionate Horticulture Site Managers to oversee the delivery of world-class horticultural operations and the care of curated living collections across the Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium (BGSH) portfolio.

Reporting to the Manager Garden Operations, you will be responsible for the effective day-to-day management of botanic garden standards, landscape maintenance, and the stewardship of significant natural, cultural, and historic assets. They are dynamic and influential roles that supports not only plant collection curation and landscape design, but also contributes to biodiversity conservation, fire and wildlife management, heritage protection, and public engagement.

In the leadership roles, you will:

• Oversee horticultural operations to the highest standards across key BGSH sites
• Manage curated living collections and iconic landscape areas
• Support heritage, biodiversity, and wildlife management initiatives
• Deliver operational excellence in customer service and commercial site support
• Engage with the community and key stakeholders to enhance public value

This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic site management with hands-on environmental stewardship — all within a values-driven organisation that celebrates science, sustainability, and connection to nature.

Take your horticulture career to the next level. Apply now and help shape the future of South Australia's living landscapes.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Meaningful and rewarding career

Contract: 
2 Ongoing Contracts
One position is based in the city at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens and Botanic Park and the other is based in Crafers at the Mount Lofty and Wittunga Botanic Gardens.

Essential Qualifications:
Certificate III in Horticulture is essential. 

Desirable Qualifications:
Diploma in Horticulture or Arboriculture and leadership or management qualifications—particularly experience in training and assessment.
At least five years of operational management experience in horticulture, botanic garden living collections, natural resource management, or significant park or garden environments.

Special Conditions:

• The incumbent will be required to wear a uniform in accordance with BGSH policy.
• Current class “C” driver’s licence, Senior First Aid and willingness and an ability to safely operate a 4wd and horticultural machinery is essential.
• The incumbent may be required to participate in bushfire suppression activities.
• The role may be required to participate in field operations requiring off-road driving, travel in light aircraft or boat, and/or overnight absences in remote locations.
• May be required to work outside of normal working hours, including weeknights, on weekends, public holidays and any other duties as required.
• The incumbent may be assigned to a position at another BGSH site dependent on organisational and individual requirements.
• This role has functions pertaining to working with children and is prescribed under the Child Safety (Prohibited Person) Act 2016 as requiring a Working with Children Check (WWCC). By applying for this role you consent to being screened for appropriate behaviour and to the Department obtaining, or requiring you to obtain a WWCC.
• This role has been designated as a Position of Trust pursuant to the standards required in the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework. By applying for this role you consent to being screened under the process of obtaining a National Police Clearance (NPC), and to the Department requiring you to obtain an NPC.

Remuneration: 
OPS5, $82,090 min - $87,758 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Leonie Scriven, Deputy Director, Living Collections
leonie.scriven@sa.gov.au
0427 178 982

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Technical, Professional/Knowledge and Experience (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 27/07/2025 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD OPS5 Horticulture Site Manager FINAL.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.