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Senior Horticulturist – Calyx & Nursery, Botanic Gardens of Sydney

- Permanent full time opportunity (38 hours/week)
- Based at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
- Salary relative to experience and ranges from $86,347 to $95,482 + super
- 9-day fortnight

The role

Bring your horticultural expertise and leadership skills to Botanic Gardens of Sydney in a diverse Senior Horticulturist role working across the Nursery and the Calyx.

The Senior Horticulturist Nursery/Calyx co-ordinates all operations related to our prized horticultural exhibition space (Calyx), its famous green wall, in addition to being responsible for Nursery glasshouse potted collections.

With a strong focus on horticultural operations within the Calyx, you’ll coordinate day-to-day activities, help deliver and maintain high-quality horticultural displays, and supervise and develop staff and contractors. You’ll also work as an integral part of the Nursery team, supporting nursery operations, plant production and the care and development of our living collections.

This is a hands-on and varied role requiring flexibility to work across both the Calyx and Nursery as operational priorities change. You’ll balance competing demands, provide practical horticultural and technical advice, and collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders to maintain high standards of plant care, presentation, safety and horticultural practice.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Horticulturist

What you will bring to the role

- Strong technical horticultural expertise, including demonstrated propagation and plant selection experience, with a focus on understanding the challenges of maintaining potted collections.
- Experience coordinating horticultural operations and supervising staff and contractors, with the ability to coach, develop and support others to deliver quality outcomes.
- Strong planning and organisational skills,



with the ability to prioritise workloads and respond to changing demands across a busy public environment.
- Clear communication and collaborative working skills, with the ability to share technical information and work effectively with colleagues, contractors and other stakeholders.
- A strong commitment to safe work practices, with practical knowledge of horticultural plant, equipment and maintenance techniques.
- A current Driver’s License

What is an essential requirement:

- Horticultural trades certificate or equivalent experience and technical knowledge in horticulture and maintenance techniques.
- Ability to undertake fieldwork for extended periods (outside of normal working hours and on weekends if required) and have the ability to lift and carry a minimum 15 kilos.

- Demonstrated ability in the maintenance and use of a wide range of horticultural plant and equipment.
- Demonstrated experience in the coordination, operational maintenance and development of a large park or garden.

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 Horticulturist.
- 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.

Join us If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can shape your world with us. Applications close Sunday 1st November 2026. Should you require further information about the role please contact Jarryd Kelly (Curator Manager) on 02 4634 7911 or [email protected].

A talent 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.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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 [email protected] or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.

📌 Senior Horticulturist (Sydney)
🏢 DCCEEW NSW
📍 Sydney