National Seed Bank Manager

The National Seed Bank Manager at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in Canberra, Australia, leads conservation and research programs, manages a team, and oversees the National Seed Bank's operations. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders and requires strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Flexible employment arrangements are available, indicating the possibility of remote work.
Who we are

Parks Australia’s Conservation Science section, part of the Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch, facilitates and supports innovative, cross-disciplinary research to inform management of the Commonwealth parks and gardens, to achieve outcomes for conservation and community, and to contribute to the national nature positive conversation. The section includes marine and terrestrial conservation scientists working together on complex, real-world problems that realise the potential for the parks and gardens to build conservation knowledge for Australia.

Within this section, the National Seed Bank team contributes to conservation of threatened plant species by sourcing, collecting and storing wild seeds, and conducting research on seed germination requirements, dormancy, longevity in storage and reproductive ecology. The National Seed Bank contains a unique collection of seeds and other germplasm (such as spore) of native plant species from all over Australia - approximately 8,000 collections of almost 4,000 species. These scientific collections are integrated with wider plant conservation and research conducted at the Australian National Botanic Gardens to provide holistic national plant conservation solutions.

The Job

The National Seed Bank Manager directs the National Seed Bank’s conservation and research programs and resources, oversees a team of trained specialists, students and skilled volunteers who work collaboratively on research projects with other scientists in the Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch and coordinates the ongoing curation of the seed collection and operations of a national collections and research facility. The role also involves working with Traditional Owners, island communities, external researchers, and a wide range colleagues in other parts of Parks Australia.

We are looking for someone who can apply their experience in leadership of conservation science groups to manage and build the capability of the National Seed Bank team, and to oversee the direction of the seed banking program and facilities. A passion for conservation, an interest and enthusiasm in bringing to life the National Seed Bank Strategy, and strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain positive relationships will be central to your success in this role.

Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water