Director, Australian National Botanic Gardens

Job Description

Director, Australian National Botanic Gardens Join to apply for the Director, Australian National Botanic Gardens role at Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 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 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, a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). Parks Australia works 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. The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia, and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels. Our work includes: Strategic science planning and prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to our Branch and the nation’s largest living collection of native plants Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes Facilitating research and science capacity building and education Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex situ conservation The Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) is the nation’s largest living collection of Australian native plants. It’s a tranquil setting for walking and spending time with family and friends, and a living classroom for visitors of all ages. We directly contribute to safe-guarding Australia’s plant species from extinctions and are responsible for leading, building and sharing knowledge of our Australian flora. The ANBG works closely with biodiversity science programs – the Australian Biological Resources Study, the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, the National Seed Bank, and Biodiversity Informatics – in partnerships for research, for management of physical and digital biological collections, and for management of fundamental national biodiversity data and information accessed nationally and internationally. The ANBG works closely with other Commonwealth parks to support plant conservation initiatives. The Ian Potter National Conservatory will open in 2026 and is a significant new attraction for the ANBG. The Job The Director, Australian National Botanic Gardens: Provides high level leadership and management of the ANBG in accordance with the ANBG Management Plan, including managing key functional areas – horticulture, conservation programs, visitor experience and education services, asset management, emergency management and business functions. Manages, mentors and builds capability in a team of approximately 50 staff including casual staff and volunteers operating the site 7 days a week with over 550,000 visitors a year. Provides strategic direction for the future development of the ANBG’s scientific living collection and conservation programs, and the implementation of the ANBG Master Plan, and oversees capital works programs and develops business cases. Represents the Director of National Parks to develop and maintain effective partnerships with key stakeholders such as the ACT Tourism industry, National Capital Attractions, Friends of the ANBG, commercial operators, neighbouring institutions, relevant NGO’s and government agencies, and other areas of the Department. Effectively engages with and represents the ANBG and Parks Australia in the network of botanic gardens throughout Australia, providing leadership on plant conservation issues. Supports the governance of the Australian Seed Bank Partnership and represents Parks Australia on the Council of the Heads of Australian Botanic Gardens. Builds and maintains relationships with First Nations communities and Traditional Owners founded on mutual respect and trust. Seeks and facilitates new partnerships and business opportunities consistent with the Management Plan to generate new visitor experiences, increase visitation and revenue opportunities. Seeks and facilitates new partnerships and opportunities to grow and enhance the contribution of the ANBG to plant conservation. Supports the Executive through the preparation of briefings, submissions or other materials, and through the provision of expert advice. Flexible employment arrangements are available with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Seniority level Not Applicable Employment type Full-time Job function Other Industries Government Administration and Government Relations Services #J-18808-Ljbffr