Assistant Director – Living Collections & Assets

Department of Education and Training of Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assistant Director leads the Livings Collections & Assets team who are responsible for the in-ground conservation collections and landscapes, facilities, infrastructure, equipment and buildings within the ANBG site.

The role requires an energetic, experienced leader who can drive priorities, foster high performance, manage change and work collaboratively across the ANBG to deliver strong conservation outcomes and a vibrant public experience.

Job description

Assistant Director – Living Collections & Assets

Who we are

Australia’s natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels. Our work includes:

The Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) is the nation's most diverse collection of Australian native plants. We directly contribute to safe-guarding Australia's plant species from extinctions and are responsible for leading, building and sharing knowledge of our Australian flora. The ANBG works closely with biodiversity science programs – the Australian Biological Resources Study, the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, the National Seed Bank, and Biodiversity Informatics – in partnerships for research, for management of physical and digital biological collections, and for management of fundamental national biodiversity data and information accessed nationally and internationally. The ANBG works closely with other Commonwealth parks to support plant conservation initiatives. The ANBG is uniquely placed to provide holistic solutions for national plant conservation, with combined expertise in, and specialist science facilities for: botanical taxonomy, evolution and systematics, seed biology and horticulture. The Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) in Canberra is a leading national institution for the conservation, study, and display of Australian native flora. For more information about us please visit our website.

For more information about us please visit our website.

T he job

The Assistant Director leads the Livings Collections & Assets team who are responsible for the in-ground conservation collections and landscapes, facilities, infrastructure, equipment and buildings within the ANBG site. The team consists of skilled horticulturists and trades personnel that work to maintain the national institution as a facility open to the public seven days a week and receiving over 550,000 visitors a year. The Assistant Director will be responsible for setting priorities and guiding an operational team to achieve conservation objectives, engaging displays with high-quality horticultural standards, responsive facilities and assets management, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture, and driving innovative approaches and efficiencies. The role is ideally suited to an experienced leader with a genuine passion for practical horticulture, assets and facilities management. This is a rewarding role within a nationally significant institution focused on the science and conservation of Australia flora. We are seeking an energetic and supportive leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, can effectively manage change, balance priorities, and work collaboratively across the ANBG to deliver shared outcomes and advance the Gardens' mission.

What you'll gain from the experience

This is an incredible opportunity to lead a team of expert horticulturists and trades personnel in developing and maintaining the world’s most diverse collection of Australian native plants, including many threatened species. The role is both meaningful and fulfilling, delivering tangible outcomes for plant conservation

What we are looking for

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and experience:

Skills and capabilities:

Desirable /qualifications

Additional requirements

Eligibility

Citizenship

to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance

this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment checks

your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment

You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.

The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.

For more information, see

For additional information about this opportunity, please read the job description below

Candidate information pack [PDF] Opens in new window

Candidate information pack [word] Opens in new window

Job Description Opens in new window

Job Decsription Opens in new window