Horticulture Manager

Job Description

Full-time, fixed-term position up to 9/02/2030 Base salary will be in the range $113,377 - $127,112 + 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8) Are you ready to take the lead in managing world-class plant growth facilities that support cutting-edge research? The Plant Growth Collaborative Research Platform (CRP) at UQ is looking for a skilled and passionate horticulture expert to oversee operations across our state-of-the-art glasshouses, growth rooms, and controlled environments. In this role, you will be the driving force behind the seamless operation of our plant growth facilities, ensuring optimal conditions for innovative research. You will provide specialist expertise in plant and crop management, including biosecurity and quarantine standards, while overseeing irrigation, pest control, soil preparation, and facility hygiene. Beyond day-to-day operations, you will play a key role in training researchers and staff, advising on best practices, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Your strategic mindset will be essential in managing facility resources, optimising space allocations, and maintaining high-performance equipment. Join us in shaping the future of plant research at UQ and contribute to advancements that address global challenges in food security, sustainability, and plant science innovation. Key Responsibilities Specialist Management and Advisory Expertise : Manage and provide specialist advice on horticulture, agronomy, biosafety, and biosecurity functions across Plant Growth facilities, including the development and enforcement of protocols to ensure alignment with research requirements and compliance with relevant legislation. Operational and Environmental Management : Oversee the daily operations of Plant Growth facilities, including monitoring environmental conditions, managing soil preparation, irrigation, pest control, plant health, and ensuring the proper functioning and maintenance of all facility equipment. Client and Resource Coordination : Manage client interactions, including facility and equipment bookings, experimental setup support, troubleshooting, and resource allocation. Ensure records, permits, invoicing, and compliance align with client expectations and institutional policies. Leadership and Training : Lead and train staff on horticultural best practices, biosecurity protocols, and quality management systems. Maintain high operational standards, optimize bookings to meet performance goals, and respond to emergencies and maintenance needs as required. About Plant Growth The Plant Growth Collaborative Research Platform (CRP) includes state-of-the-art environment-controlled glasshouses, walk-in growth rooms, and reach-in growth cabinets, located across multiple campuses. The CRP provides services and advice related to allocation of space, planning of experiments and workflows, preparation of media, pest control, monitoring of environmental conditions, and data collection and interpretation. It provides leading edge capability for plant growth and analysis to the staff and students across a broad range of school and institutes at the University of Queensland. The CRP’s strengths lie in working together with clients to ensure that experiments conducted in the facilities provide high quality outcomes, consistent with the worldwide reputation of UQ in the area of agriculture and plant sciences. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as: 26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave 17% superannuation contributions 17.5% annual leave loading Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family UQ Study for Staff Affordable parking (from just $5.75 a day) Salary packaging options About You Postgraduate qualification in horticulture, agronomy, plant sciences, or a related field, with expertise in plant preparation, handling, and data evaluation. 10 + years experience in horticulture or agronomy, including plant growth management, soil health, pest control, and fertigation. Strong knowledge of biosecurity and biosafety regulations, including PC2 and quarantine standards, with experience implementing compliance measures. Proven ability to lead teams, provide training, and oversee operations to ensure high-quality research outcomes. Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot plant growth issues and support researchers in optimising experimental conditions. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience managing client interactions and operational reporting. The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check. Work Rights: You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Questions? For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ms Sarah Armstrong | Senior Manager, Research Facilities and Infrastructure at For application queries, please contact stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. Want to Apply? All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered: Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section Resume Other Information UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don’t meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role. We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion, fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to for accessibility support or adjustments. Applications close Sunday 16 February 2025 at 11.00pm AEST (R-47271). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Thursday the 20th of February 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr