Lead Gardener

Hume City Council; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Hume City Council is seeking a Lead Gardener to supervise a horticultural team and oversee maintenance of council parks, reserves and designated areas. The role emphasizes delivering high-quality, safe works, site inspections, planning, and staff development within established programs.

The role involves leading a small team, operating horticultural equipment, managing site risk, and collaborating with other teams to enhance park assets. A Certificate 3 Horticulture (or higher) is required.

Qualifications

• Certificate 3 Horticulture or higher with relevant experience.
• Experience supervising a small team in horticulture.
• Knowledge of park maintenance practices and safety standards.
• Strong data recording and reporting skills.
• Proficiency with computers and Microsoft software.
• Ability to plan and prioritise tasks to meet schedules.
• Good communication and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement works for high profile landscapes.
• Supervise apprentices, labourers and staff to meet daily needs.
• Operate horticultural equipment to maintain assets.
• Conduct pre-site risk assessments to ensure safe operations.
• Assist in data collection for performance indicators.
• Participate in meetings to improve service and contribute ideas.
• Collaborate across teams to maintain parks and reserves.

Skills

Horticulture knowledge

Equipment safety

Record keeping

MS Office

Team supervision

Work planning

Customer service

Education

Certificate 3 Horticulture or higher with relevant experience

Job description

• Compensation: from AUD 77,133.68 - yearly

Job Description

• Permanent Full Time
• 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

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.