Lead Gardener

Council Jobs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hume City Council is seeking a Lead Gardener to supervise horticultural works across parks, reserves and designated areas. You will ensure high standards of maintenance, safety, and data-driven service delivery, coordinating with teams to protect park assets.

The role involves supervising apprentices and staff, operating equipment, and planning maintenance activities within established programs. A current Drivers Licence and Cert 3 Horticulture are required.

Qualifications

• Horticultural industry knowledge and best practices.
• Safe operation of horticultural plant and equipment.
• Experience with keeping records of works performed.
• Proficiency with basic computer software (MS Office).
• Ability to supervise a small horticultural team.
• Strong planning and prioritisation of tasks.
• Customer-focused approach and good teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement works for high profile landscapes per service levels.
• Supervise apprentices, labourers and staff to meet daily tasks.
• Operate horticultural equipment for asset maintenance.
• Conduct pre-site risk assessments to ensure safety.
• Demonstrate and document safe machinery operation and herbicide handling.
• Gather data for performance indicators to monitor service.
• Participate in meetings to improve services and select plant items.
• Work within a team to maintain various parks and reserves.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Equipment safety

Record keeping

Computers

Team supervision

Work planning

Customer focus

Teamwork

Education

Certificate 3 Horticulture

Job description

• Join the City Parks & Open Spacesteam

Hume City Council is one of Australia’s fastest growing and culturally diverse councils. We put the customer and our community at the centre of all that we do, ensuring our services are efficient and accessible.

The Lead Gardener provides effective supervision and horticultural expertise to support the maintenance and improvement of Council parks, reserves and designated areas to a high standard, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently and in accordance with established work practices and maintenance programs. The role supports site inspections, maintenance planning, event preparation and restoration, resource requirements, and the training and development of horticultural staff, while working collaboratively with relevant teams to protect and enhance Council’s park assets.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead and implement works required for high profile landscapes as per set levels of service.
• Supervise apprentices, labourers and other staff as required to ensure daily work requirements are achieved.
• Operate a range of horticultural equipment to carry out the necessary maintenance of assets.
• Ensure the work site is safe, as far as practicable, by conducting the pre site risk assessment prior to starting works.
• Assist team members to ensure the safe operation of associated plant and equipment including demonstration and documentation of safe and responsible work practices, use, operation and handling of machinery, equipment and herbicides in accordance with approved safety standards.
• Assist in the gathering of data for performance indicators to ensure the effective monitoring of the service.
• Actively participate in meetings to improve service, suggesting innovative ideas and taking part in the selection of plant items.
• Work as part of a work group in the maintenance and development of various parks, reserves and other designated areas.

The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role:

• Thorough knowledge of horticultural industry practices, processes and procedures.
• Knowledge and experience in the safe operation of horticultural plant and equipment.
• Experience in record keeping and documenting works performed.
• Working knowledge of computers and Microsoft software.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise a small team undertaking horticultural maintenance works.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and allocate work to meet operational requirements.
• Ability to identify customer needs and expectations and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Certificate 3 Horticulture or higher with relevant experience
• Current Drivers Licence

For any queries, please contact us at *******@hume.vic.gov.au.

Why Hume City Council?

A leader in local government, we’re committed to creating an inclusive and collaborative work environment that is guided by our values:

We’re better, every day: We give things a go and value progress over perfection. We have permission to go for it and are expected to reflect and learn.

We’re in it together: At Hume, everyone matters. We Welcome and include all. Respect and safety are expected.

We show up: We empower and trust others and own our work. We rise to the challenges and are expected to do what we say we will.

All for Hume: We strive to achieve our best for the Hume Community. We are proud and passionate about working towards better outcomes and expect they are at the centre of everything we do.

We offer a competitive salary package, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

A child safe organisation and an equal opportunity employer. Council encourages people of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQA+ people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply.

All candidates will be required to undertake background and probity checks including Reference Checks, Working with Children Check, and a Criminal Record Check.