Horticultural Officer - Affirmative Measure (Indigenous)

The Australian Government seeks a Horticultural Officer for Booderee National Park, Tasmania, focusing on horticultural duties, ecological management, and general ranger responsibilities. The role requires outdoor work, including plant propagation, weed control, and maintenance of equipment, with a rotating roster that includes weekends. This position is an affirmative measure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, offering experience in plant biodiversity and horticultural practices.
• APS 1-3 (Broadband) $54,516 - $77,125 per annum plus superannuation
• Parks Australia Division
• Booderee National Park – Jervis Bay
• Work outdoors in an indegenous owned Botanic Gardens on horticultural duties.
• Work on a roster including weekend work on general ranger duties.
• Assist other Parks teams including the NAtural REsource Management Team with ecological management duties.

Affirmative measure - Indigenous employment
The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

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.

Booderee and Joint Management Strategic Support Branch manage Booderee National Park and joint management relations with the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community.

Booderee National Park is in the Jervis Bay Territory and is owned by the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community and jointly managed with Parks Australia.

The job

The duties of this job include:
• Plant propagation.
• Weed control.
• Chemical application and spraying.
• Maintenance of horticultural machinery and equipment.
• Ecological monitoring.
• Animal trapping.
• General ranger duties including compliance, visitor education, minor maintenance, traffic management, emergency incident support or other duties to support park operations.

This role will be required to work some weekends and public holidays on a rotating rostered basis

What you’ll gain from the experience
• An understanding of plant propagation techniques.
• A knowledge of plant biodiversity on the south coast of New South Wales.
• Experience in the maintenance of horticultural machinery.
• Botanical data recording and scientific record keeping.

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
• An understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated relevant training, knowledge and experience in horticultural management of plants in a landscape setting, including a proven ability to recognise weeds, pests, diseases and nutritional requirements, and proven ability to implement appropriate control methods including the safe use of pesticides.
• Proven ability to work effectively as an individual and as a constructive member of a small team in an outdoor setting, with an excellent attendance record.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of accurate record keeping.
• Ability to understand and apply relevant policy and legislation to work practices.
• Apply and promote safe working practices.
• A willingness and capacity to participate effectively in emergency, fire and compliance operations.

Desirable qualifications
• Certificate in Horticulture or Conservation & Land Management.
• Eligibility and other requirements

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

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.

The successful applicant must:
• be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate Working with children / working with vulnerable people check.

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

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