Overview

Work Type: Fixed-term - Part time

Salary: $70,309 - $77,673

Grade: RBGV 2

Occupation: Trades and services

Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs

Reference: VG/09092026

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) employs over 240 staff overseeing two beautiful world-class gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. The organisation fosters an understanding and appreciation for plants, living plant collections and the natural world through arts and culture and education programs, world-leading scientific research, plant conservation programs, and promotes health and wellbeing in nature. For further information please visit https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/

At RBGV you’ll be part of a nationally recognised organisation that has a genuine impact on a local and international scale. As an employee you will benefit from flexible working arrangements to assist in creating genuine work/life balance, annual leave loading, access to an EAP and much more. What You'll Do The primary role of this Horticulturist position is to support the collaborative project between the Horticulture and Science Divisions at RBGV through propagation and related conservation activities. The project “Preventing the extinction of Gariwerd threatened flora”, was funded as part of the federal governments Natural Heritage Trust Program.

The project is being led by the RBGV, in collaboration with, the Victorian State government, not for-profit organisations and community groups for 9 endangered Victorian plants. The project aims to undertake (1) seed orcharding and essential symbiont collections (2) genetic assessment to inform propagation (3)



developing permanent ex situ living collections (4) reintroductions using knowledge of suitable habitat and pollinator availability. The role will also support the general day to day operational requirements of the nursery management and maintenance.

The Horticulturist (Nursery) is responsible for the sourcing, propagation, cultivation and management of nursery plant material that supports the development of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria's living collections, landscape projects, conservation and scientific programs. You'll apply contemporary nursery and horticultural practices to produce high-quality plant stock, contribute specialist advice to collection development and landscape projects, and maintain accurate plant and propagation records. Working collaboratively across the organisation, you'll monitor plant health using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, operate controlled environment growing systems, support irrigation and nursery operations, and contribute to a safe, sustainable and collaborative workplace.

What You'll Bring

Success in this role will require demonstrated experience in a specialist nursery or similar horticultural environment, with sound knowledge of plant propagation, cultivation, plant identification and contemporary nursery practices. You'll bring strong organisational skills,



attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accurate records, while confidently operating nursery equipment and controlled growing environments. You'll be a collaborative team member with excellent communication skills, capable of providing specialist horticultural advice, supporting the development of others and contributing to continuous improvement.

Relevant horticultural qualifications, experience applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and a commitment to workplace safety and environmental stewardship will enable you to thrive in this role.

All other key selection criteria can be found in the position description which is located under the attachments heading on the Victorian Government Careers website.

How to Apply To apply for this role, please visit the Victorian Government Careers website at http://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au. You must submit a recent resume along with a document responding to each of the Key Selection Criteria as stated in the position description prior to the deadline. Applications will only be accepted via the Victorian Government website. Enquiries can be directed by email to [email protected].

RBGV is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our organisation is a proudly child safe organisation and committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will be required to complete the necessary pre-employment checks prior to appointment.

Applications close Sunday 20 September 2026 at 11.59pm Posted 9 September 2026

📌 Horticulturist (Nursery) (East Melbourne)
🏢 Victorian Government
📍 East Melbourne