Senior Horticulturist / Gardener

Camberwell Grammar School; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Competitive remuneration

Onsite health facilities (gym/pool)

Job summary

Camberwell Grammar School in Canterbury, VIC is seeking a Senior Horticulturist/Gardener to maintain the school’s gardens and grounds with hands-on leadership. You will direct two Grounds Officers, manage pruning, planting, irrigation, and pest control, and contribute to ongoing improvements in presentation.

The ideal candidate has a Diploma or higher in Horticulture, at least five years’ experience, and relevant licences. A strong eye for detail and commitment to safe practices are essential.

Qualifications

• Diploma or higher in Horticulture or Parks and Garden Maintenance required.
• Five years’ experience in equivalent horticultural/grounds role.
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence essential.
• White Card desirable.
• Heavy Rigid Licence highly desirable.
• Chainsaw Certification and EWP desirable.
• Working with Children Check.
• National Crime Check.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards and presentation of school gardens and grounds.
• Provide day-to-day direction to two Grounds Officers.
• Oversee pruning, planting, weed control, irrigation and minor landscaping.
• Identify plants, manage pests and diseases, and ensure safe chemical handling.
• Collaborate with Property and Facilities to improve garden presentation.
• Support safe work practices and WHS adherence.

Skills

Plant identification

Pruning

Irrigation systems

Pest & disease management

Maintenance planning

Team guidance

Chemical safety

Education

Diploma or higher in Horticulture or Parks and Garden Maintenance

Five years of horticulture/grounds experience

Current Australian Driver's Licence

White Card

Heavy Rigid Licence desirable

Chainsaw Certification/EWP desirable

Working with Children Check

National Crime Check

Tools

Tractors

Ride-on mowers

Power tools

Job description

Camberwell Grammar School - Canterbury VIC

Full time

2d ago , from Is Recruit - Independent Schools

The Senior Horticulturist / Gardener is responsible for maintaining the high standard, appearance and presentation of the school's gardens and grounds. This is a predominantly hands-on role suited to an experienced horticulturist who enjoys working outdoors, has a strong eye for detail and takes pride in creating and maintaining attractive, healthy gardens.

You will provide day-to-day direction to two Grounds Officers, allocating tasks, sharing your horticultural knowledge and monitoring the quality of work. You will remain actively involved in garden and grounds maintenance, including plant identification, pruning, planting, weed control, pest and disease management, irrigation and minor landscaping projects.

Working collaboratively with the wider Property and Facilities team, you will help maintain the school's presentation standards and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the gardens and grounds. A commitment to safe work practices and a willingness to take direction in meeting the school's expectations are essential.

This is a full time, permanent position, inclusive of the school term and school holiday periods, commencing at a time mutually agreed with the successful candidate.

Training and professional development opportunities will be available to enable the successful candidate to further develop their skills, knowledge and qualifications.

ABOUT YOU

You are a practical and enthusiastic horticultural professional who enjoys working as part of a team and takes pride in the quality of your work. You have sound horticultural knowledge, an excellent eye for detail and the initiative to identify what needs attention to keep gardens looking their best.

You are approachable, reliable and adaptable, with a positive attitude and a willingness to share your knowledge, learn from feedback and work collaboratively with colleagues. You understand the importance of maintaining consistent standards and can balance your own initiative with the direction and priorities of the school.

You are also committed to Workplace Health and Safety and understand the importance of safe work practices when handling chemicals and operating equipment.

• Strong practical horticultural knowledge, including plant identification, pruning, plant health and pest and disease management.
• Experience maintaining gardens and grounds to a high standard.
• Knowledge of irrigation systems, planting and minor landscaping works.
• Ability to coordinate daily tasks, provide practical guidance and work effectively with others.
• Good organisational skills, initiative and attention to detail.
• Understanding of Workplace Health and Safety requirements, including safe chemical handling and equipment operation.
• Familiarity with the operation and routine maintenance of tractors, ride-on mowers, front-end loaders and power tools would be beneficial.
• Familiarity with maintenance scheduling and digital work request systems.

Qualifications

• Horticulture: Diploma or higher in Horticulture or Parks and Garden Maintenance (essential).
• Experience: Minimum of five years’ experience in an equivalent horticultural or grounds role.
• Driver's Licence: Current Australian Driver's Licence (essential).
• White Card: Desirable.
• Heavy Rigid Licence: Highly desirable.
• Chainsaw Certification and EWP: Current relevant licences or qualifications are desirable, or a willingness to obtain them.
• Working with Children Check.
• National Crime Check.

ABOUT US

Camberwell Grammar School is an independent Anglican day school for boys from Pre-Preparatory to Year 12. We aim to give every student in our care the very best education in order to prepare them for life beyond school. We are a learning community, which encourages staff, students, past students and parents to involve themselves fully in all aspects of school life and to identify themselves with its values: Learning, Respect, Integrity, Courage and Optimism. We are proud of the warm spirit and sense of community that characterises our school family.

Our school campus is located in the leafy inner east suburb of Canterbury, on land originally inhabited by the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, and blends period architecture with exciting contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities.

WHY JOIN CAMBERWELL GRAMMAR SCHOOL?

At Camberwell Grammar School we have a vision of learning which encompasses all aspects of life – not just the intellectual, but also the social, cultural, physical and spiritual. Our programs are deliberately structured to educate the whole student – not just the mind. We hope to educate committed citizens of the future, interested and passionate about the problems facing our world and with the skills necessary to do something about them.

You will play a pivotal role in this vision.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT CAMBERWELL GRAMMAR

• Opportunities for ongoing training, professional development and skills development.
• Competitive remuneration and flexible salary packaging options
• Access to exceptional campus health and sports facilities, including an onsite gym, 50m swimming pool, and subsidised wellbeing classes.
• Proactive staff wellbeing initiatives and confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• A structured, thoughtful onboarding process designed to welcome you warmly into the fabric of our school.
• Dedicated onsite staff parking on our beautiful campus.
• A welcoming, innovative, and deeply collaborative team environment
• The opportunity to contribute to a genuinely sustainable campus community.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and as such, the recruitment process may commence immediately.

Applications close: Sunday 15 November 2026 at 11.00pm.

Child Safety Commitment Statement

Camberwell Grammar School is unwavering in its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in its care. We are dedicated to creating a secure, inclusive, and respectful environment where every student feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Child Safety and Wellbeing Responsibilities

This role involves active participation in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing across all aspects of school life. Your duties and responsibilities include:

Ensuring Safety:

• Actively identify, assess, and mitigate risks to child safety within the school environment, both physical and digital.
• Implement the school's child safety policies and practices to safeguard students from harm.
• Create a positive and inclusive environment that supports the emotional, social, and academic needs of all students.
• Work collaboratively with students, families, and colleagues to promote a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety.

Responding to Concerns:

• Monitor and report any concerns or incidents regarding child safety to the school's Child Safety Officer or designated authority.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of all child safety concerns or incidents.

Engaging with Diverse Needs:

• Support children from a variety of cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities or other specific challenges.

Modelling Ethical Conduct:

• Exhibit professional behaviour that aligns with the school's values and child safety standards.
• Lead by example to foster a culture of trust, respect, and accountability.

Camberwell Grammar School invites candidates who share our commitment to child safety and wellbeing to contribute to our community and help every student reach their full potential.