Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 847841
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Join Our Team as a Senior Horticulturalist at the Botanic Gardens!

Are you an experienced horticulturist with a passion for botanic gardens and living collections? We're looking for a Senior Horticulturalist to join our dedicated team in supporting the daily operation of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. As a key specialist, you will help maintain and revitalise our curated living collections and associated landscapes, contributing to the preservation and growth of our botanical treasures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Expert Horticultural Care: Apply best practice amenity botanic gardens horticulture to maintain and enhance our living collections.
• Sustainability & Management: Support turf, tree, nursery, and biosecurity management initiatives while promoting water-efficient irrigation and water management systems.
• Event & Visitor Support: Provide specialist support for event delivery, site activation, and daily visitor services.
• Site Maintenance: Assist with day-to-day site maintenance services to ensure the gardens are always in pristine condition.

You will bring:

• Expert Knowledge: Proven experience in amenity botanic gardens horticulture.
• Leadership Skills: The ability to lead and support initiatives that align with statutory responsibilities and corporate policies.
• A Passion for Plants & Nature: A dedication to supporting the beauty and health of our collections, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

If you're passionate about horticulture and excited to contribute to the beauty of our Botanic Gardens, we'd love to hear from you. 

Apply today and help us nurture the future of our living collections! 

Be part of something extraordinary.

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.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
Ongoing

Essential Qualifications:
​​Certificate III in Horticulture (Trade Level Qualification)

Special Conditions:

• Will be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Prior to being employed, the successful candidate will be required to provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), which is required to be renewed every three years. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
• Prior to being employed, the successful candidate will be required to provide a Department of Human Services (DHS) Working with Children Check (WWCC) which is required to be renewed every five years. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.
• A current First Aid Certificate is essential.
• Wearing a company uniform during working hours and/or when representing the department is mandatory.
• May be required to work outside of normal working hours, including weekends and public holidays.
• The incumbent may be assigned to a position at another site to that advertised dependent on organisational and individual development requirements.
• A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness and ability to safely operate a 4wd is essential.
• A willingness and an ability to safely operate horticultural machinery is essential.

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months.

Remuneration: 
GSE6, $66,676 min - $67,463 max p.a. 

Enquiries to:
Mark Oborn, Manager Garden Operations
mark.oborn@sa.gov.au
0427 604 249

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

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (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: 28/06/2026 10:45 PM

Attachments:
- GSE6 Senior Horticulturalist 20260520 FINAL.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.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.