Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $68,261 - $75,411
Grade: RBGV 2
Occupation: Science and research
Location: Melbourne - Southern suburbs
Reference: VG/422030AA
Who We Are
The organisation fosters an understanding and appreciation for plants and the natural world through arts and culture and education programs, world-leading scientific research, plant conservation programs, and promotes health and wellbeing in nature. For further information please visit https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/
What You'll Do
In this hands-on role, you'll play a key part in supporting the conservation of Australia's unique and threatened orchid species. You'll maintain an ex-situ research nursery collection of terrestrial orchids and other hard-to-propagate native plants, which will require following established nursery protocols to pot up seedlings cultivated in the laboratory. Your work will include preparing and sorting seed material for storage in the seedbank, ensuring accurate labelling and database entry of all fungi, plant, and seed collections. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork, assisting with seed and specimen collection, data recording, photography, and plant identification. In addition to supporting the daily operations of the Orchid Conservation Program, you'll provide administrative and data entry support, uphold RBGV's policies and standards, and actively contribute your expertise to the broader goals of the program. Collaboration is key in this role—you'll work closely with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, as well as external partners, to help achieve RBGV's conservation and research objectives.
What You'll Bring
You'll bring a strong foundation in plant science or horticulture, supported by a degree or diploma in science (or an equivalent qualification or experience). With hands-on experience in horticultural techniques, you'll be comfortable caring for and propagating native plants — and ideally, have experience working with collections of Australian terrestrial orchids. You have a solid understanding of botanical naming conventions, literature, and terminology, and you're confident using databases and Microsoft Office applications to accurately record and manage information. Your attention to detail will shine through in the way you approach meticulous, repetitive tasks with care and precision. You'll be organised and methodical, able to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work within tight timeframes. A proactive problem-solver, you work well independently while contributing positively to a team environment. Above all, you bring excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach, helping to foster a supportive and productive workplace culture across diverse teams and stakeholders.
All other key selection criteria can be found in the position description which is located under the attachments heading on the Victorian Government Careers website.
Working with Us
At RBGV you'll be part of a nationally recognised organisation that makes a genuine impact on a local and international scale. As an employee, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements to assist in creating genuine work/life balance, annual leave loading, access to an Employee Assistance Program and much more.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please visit the Victorian Government Careers website at http://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au. You must submit a recent resume along with a letter responding to each of the Key Selection Criteria (max. three pages) as stated in the position description prior to the deadline. Applications will only be accepted via the Victorian Government website. Enquiries can be directed by email to [email protected].