Senior Horticulturist / Gardener

Work Initiatives; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite parking

Campus health facilities

Professional development

Job summary

Camberwell Grammar School seeks a Senior Horticulturist/Gardener to maintain the school’s gardens and grounds to a high standard.

The role involves guiding two Grounds Officers, overseeing pruning, planting, irrigation, and minor landscaping, and collaborating with the Property and Facilities team to sustain presentation standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years’ experience in horticulture or grounds role.
• Essential Australian Driver’s Licence; White Card desirable.
• Commitment to Workplace Health and Safety and safe chemical handling.

Responsibilities

• Maintain gardens and grounds to a high standard and presentation.
• Provide day-to-day direction to two Grounds Officers and allocate tasks.
• Oversee pruning, planting, weed control, pest and disease management.
• Irrigation oversight and minor landscaping projects.
• Collaborate with School Property and Facilities teams to uphold standards.

Skills

Plant identification

Pruning

Irrigation management

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Education

Diploma or higher in Horticulture or Parks and Garden Maintenance

Tools

Tractor operation

Ride-on mower

Power tools

Job description

About The Role

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.

Knowledge & Skills

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 optionsAccess 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 familyA 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 environmentThe opportunity to contribute to a genuinely sustainable campus community.

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.

Fostering Wellbeing

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.