Role Description Horticulture Coordinator Cluster Agency Division/Branch/Unit Location Department of Planning & Environment Sydney Living Museums Heritage & Collections Division/Heritage Team Various locations within the agency, based at Vaucluse House Classification/Grade/Band Horticultural/Trades Officer Level 9/10 Kind of Employment Ongoing ANZSCO Code 139999 Role Number HC001 PCAT Code 1119191 Date of Approval 31 March 2017 Agency Website Agency overview www.sydneylivingmuseums.com.au Historic Houses Trust of NSW, incorporating Sydney Living Museums (SLM), is a statutory authority of, and principally funded by, the NSW Government. The Historic Houses Trust is one of a number of agencies administered through the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH), reporting to the Minister for Heritage. OEH regulates industry, protects and conserves the NSW environment, manages over 850 national parks and reserves and protects the natural, cultural and built heritage in NSW. SLM provides custodial care for significant historic places, buildings, collections and landscapes with integrity, and enables people to enjoy and learn about them. SLM was established under the Historic Houses Act 1980 to manage, conserve and interpret the properties vested in it for the education and enjoyment of the public. SLM s portfolio includes houses, museums, landscapes, a library and collections of paintings, furniture and objects. SLM is managed through four Divisions, each headed by a Director Curatorial & Museums, Heritage & Collections, Strategy & Experience and Corporate & Commercial Services. SLM cares for 12 of the State's most important historic houses, museums and their collections: Elizabeth Bay House, Elizabeth Farm, Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Justice & Police Museum, Meroogal, The Mint, Museum of Sydney, Rose Seidler House, Rouse Hill House & Farm, Susannah Place Museum and Vaucluse House and Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection. All are listed in the NSW State Heritage Register. The Museum of Sydney and the Hyde Park Barracks are on the National Heritage list, with the Hyde Park Barracks is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. SLM s portfolio assets are valued at more than $256 million including buildings, land and museum collections. It also maintains 38 hectares of land including public spaces, farmland and gardens, as well as infrastructure such as roads, farm dams, 8 kilometres of fences and gates. The agency collects, catalogues and conserves material relating to core themes of domestic material culture, the history of art, architecture and design, and aspects of Sydney s social history related to its sites. The collections held at museums are valued at more than $27 million and comprise 250,000 archaeological artefacts, more than 47,500 objects, more than 130,000 glass-plate negatives, a library collection and a growing digital collection all of cultural significance to the history of NSW. 1
The Heritage & Collections Division brings together a team of professionally and technically specialised capabilities which focuses on the conservation, preservation and presentation of the organisation s collections, sites, buildings and gardens. The activities of the Heritage & Collections Division include conservation management planning, collections and access, conservation, capital works and maintenance, endangered houses projects, and landscaping. Primary purpose of the role The Horticulture Coordinator leads the specialist horticultural team in delivery of horticultural maintenance, garden curation, conservation and project development in the care of Sydney Living Museums historic gardens, grounds and projects to conserve, develop and present these gardens and landscapes to the highest standards for the access, interpretation, enjoyment and education of visitors in accordance with the philosophies and corporate plan of SLM. The role represents a technical subject matter expert within SLM and as such provides specialised technical horticultural advice to the Agency's Executive and senior staff, and technical leadership on horticultural and botanical issues to the horticultural and other Portfolio staff and volunteers. Key accountabilities Plan, oversee and monitor the delivery of safe and efficient horticultural conservation, maintenance, presentation and enhancement services of SLM s gardens, landscapes and related exhibits in accordance with agreed conservation principles and objectives for each historical site while responding to the impact from a diverse range of visitors such as the general public, tourists, commercial callers, event program attendees, school students and other site visitors. Develop and implement the horticultural maintenance plans with the application of proper budgeting for each of SLM properties to fulfil the overall SLM horticultural strategic plan and the annual horticultural exhibits that support the sites promotional and educational events. Lead and develop a small team of horticulturist specialist to improve the knowledge and understanding of SLM s historic gardens, garden plants and horticultural practices to support and advance SLM s strategic direction. Provide expert horticultural advice and produce relevant reports, including garden and landscaping status updates, budgets, technical documents, discussion papers, photographic records and project plans, and ensure the maintenance of accurate and detailed horticultural information and records. Control the purchasing and maintenance of equipment used by the horticultural staff and volunteers, ensure the equipment is operationally safe and that all users have the correct licences or training to competently use SLM s vehicles and machinery. Ensure that ongoing research into horticultural procedures and best practice in conservation, soil preparation, planting, watering, pest control, pruning and fertilisation informs practices implemented by staff and volunteers. Participate in the research, development and delivery of public programs to external audiences and assist with and present talks, tours and programs about SLM gardens and horticulture, communicating the historical perspective of SLM sites and encouraging a broader range of audience participation and engagement with SLM. Engage with staff from Marketing & Commercial Services, Programming & Public Engagement and other Portfolio staff to instruct and develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of the volunteers that support SLMs horticulture and plant collections. Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 2
Key challenges Delivering a wide diversity of technical responses to horticultural management, maintenance and conservation across a distinctive range of sites and geographic locations ensuring that each site s unique historical horticultural interpretation is appropriately presented. Exercising sound judgement in balancing competing demands, complex operational needs, scheduling and prioritising recurrent activities and project tasks to ensure all duties are completed; maintenance, special project and event schedules are met, with the application of effective planning, team work and collaboration. Adapting modern horticultural practices to the historic site landscapes and unpredictable environmental issues of specific sites while effectively and efficiently managing the effects of soil fertility, the impact of diseases, pests and extreme weather conditions including sustained periods of drought, torrential rain or gale-force winds that directly impact on the sites gardens and landscapes. Key relationships Who Internal Head of Heritage Horticulture Team Visitor & Interpretation Officers, Curators and other Portfolio staff Other SLM teams Portfolio Volunteers Why Provide horticultural advice related to garden heritage, conservation and opportunities to engage visitors. Provide regular updates on projects, issues and priorities. Plan horticulture team work programs, events and displays Respond to unforseen and urgent requirements. Seek endorsement of horticultural and maintenance plans. Provide horticultural advice related to garden heritage, conservation and opportunities to engage visitors. Provide guidance and develop the specialist skills of each team member while bringing the individuals together into a cohesive unit. Coordinate with other Portfolio staff to achieve agreed objectives and outcomes in garden maintenance and presentation for each property. Provide technical leadership, guidance and coaching to ensure that appropriate skills, expertise and sound judgement are applied to complete tasks and responsibilities. Establish and maintain high horticultural standards and practices. Set performance requirements and manage team performance and development, identify training needs and ensure appropriate training is actioned. Inform Curators regarding key matters in the provision of horticultural development and garden conservation. Identify opportunities for horticultural programs and interpretation events. Provide expert horticultural advice to ensure decision making is well informed. Escalate visitor queries, feedback or complaints, when relevant, to achieve positive outcomes for the Portfolio. Develop effective working relationships with specialists in diverse teams across SLM. Consult in relation to the provision of horticultural development and garden maintenance. Inform about the provision of horticultural development and garden maintenance. Identify training needs and provide information and instruction about horticultural duties, garden maintenance and special events preparation. Network and maintain effective interaction and cooperation. Act as a horticulturalist mentor for the volunteers where possible. Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 3
Who External Educational, Tourism and Community groups, visitors and general public and other stakeholders Key external stakeholders including government departmental and local government representatives Why Promote the interests and programs of the Portfolio sites, including providing prearranged guided garden tours. Respond to horticultural enquiries and assist with related horticultural queries and concerns. Develops, maintains and promotes positive and professional relationships. Represent and promote the interests of Sydney Living Museums. Maintain current horticultural knowledge and current developments within the horticultural industry. Heritage and Industry peers, professional associations and networks Contractors Role dimensions Decision making This role: Establish effective networks with broader industry peers accountable for horticultural preservation and conservation of historic and heritage gardens and with similar roles across other jurisdictions. Performance benchmark to maintain currency of industry standards and practices and share knowledge and best practice about emerging horticultural issues. Effectively manage and coordinate the work on SLM sites. Operates with a high level of autonomy and is accountable for the delivery of planned work programs and projects on time, within budget and to expectations in terms of quality, deliverables and outcomes. Provides expert horticultural knowledge and advice to contribute to the overall conservation and maintenance strategies and plans to ensure the effective and efficient preservation and development of the gardens and landscapes across the various SLM sites. Refers to Head of Heritage for decisions that require significant change to the specified approach; that are likely to escalate; cause undue risk; create substantial precedent; or are outside of delegation limits. Plans, leads and organises the work of the horticultural team to achieve agreed objectives and performance criteria. Recommends horticultural improvement plans, priorities and targets for conservation, heritage management and maintenance, working closely with Portfolio staff. Ensures the horticultural team works in accordance with WHS Regulations and agreed safe work procedures to minimise the risk of injury to workers and visitors to SLM properties. Applies independent professional judgement in selecting methods of performing tasks and will determine when specific external expertise is required. Provides regular reports, information and briefings to the Head of Heritage on specific projects, new initiatives, emerging issues and other significant matters. Leads and works as part of a Team to achieve desired goals and outcomes. Reporting line This role reports to the Head of Heritage. Direct reports The following roles report directly to the Horticulture Coordinator: Horticulturalist x 6 Part-Time Horticulturalist x1 The role is responsible for a total staff of 7. Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 4
Budget/Expenditure Recurrent Expenditure - Plant and equipment replacement budget: Up to $70k Essential requirements Recognised qualifications in horticulture or bush regeneration, or extensive equivalent knowledge, skills and experience in the conservation and presentation of historic gardens and landscapes. Substantial horticultural experience in gardening and landscaping maintenance and/or bush regeneration, including the supervision and provision of technical advice to others. Comprehensive knowledge and proven experience in pest and weed control, including the safe use and application of hazardous chemicals and chemical risk assessment and management. Demonstrated experience in a wide range of horticultural duties including arboriculture, soft and hard landscaping incorporating gardening practices, techniques and rationale, plant recognition, turf culture, cultivation and propagation. Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of horticultural maintenance programs and safe systems of work. Experience working with a range of software applications used to manage, develop and report on horticultural tasks and projects. Demonstrated ability to safely use, maintain to electrical, mechanical and other gardening machinery and equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the Work Health & Safety Act 2011 and ability to implement safe work procedures in a team environment. Possession of a valid driving licence with the licence to operate manual vehicles. Possession of a current first aid certificate and chemical application certification. Certification in the safe operation of chainsaws and farm equipment. Possession of a Bobcat/Skid Steer Loader and an articulated loader (covering the use of Front-end Loaders, Farm Tractors or Backhoes fitted with a front bucket) competency ticket/certificate. Current licences for working at heights and operating an elevated work platform. Ability to manage lifting, carrying, standing, kneeling and moving around heritage sites, both internal and external environments is a genuine workplace requirement. Capabilities for the role The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework applies to all NSW public sector employees. The Capability Framework is available at www.psc.nsw.gov.au/capabilityframework Capability summary Below is the full list of capabilities and the level required for this role. The capabilities in bold are the focus capabilities for this role. Refer to the next section for further information about the focus capabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Capability Group Capability Name Level Display Resilience and Courage Act with Integrity Manage Self Value Diversity Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 5
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Capability Group Capability Name Level Communicate Effectively Commit to Customer Service Work Collaboratively Influence and Negotiate Deliver Results Plan and Prioritise Think and Solve Problems Demonstrate Accountability Finance Technology Procurement and Contract Management Project Management Manage and Develop People Inspire Direction and Purpose Optimise Business Outcomes Manage Reform and Change Adept Focus capabilities The focus capabilities for the role are the capabilities in which occupants must demonstrate immediate competence. The behavioural indicators provide examples of the types of behaviours that would be expected at that level and should be reviewed in conjunction with the role s key accountabilities. NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators Personal Attributes Manage Self Relationships Communicate Effectively Adapt existing skills to new situations Show commitment to achieving work goals Show awareness of own strengths and areas for growth and develop and apply new skills Seek feedback from colleagues and stakeholders Maintain own motivation when tasks become difficult Focus on key points and speak in 'Plain English' Clearly explain and present ideas and arguments Listen to others when they are speaking and ask appropriate, respectful questions Monitor own and others' non-verbal cues and adapt where necessary Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 6
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators Results Deliver Results Results Plan and Prioritise Business Enablers Project Management People Management Manage and Develop People Adept Prepare written material that is well structured and easy to follow by the intended audience Communicate routine technical information clearly Take responsibility for delivering on intended outcomes Make sure team/unit staff understand expected goals and acknowledge success Identify resource needs and ensure goals are achieved within budget and deadlines Identify changed priorities and ensure allocation of resources meets new business needs Ensure financial implications of changed priorities are explicit and budgeted for Use own expertise and seek others' expertise to achieve work outcomes Understand the team/unit objectives and align operational activities accordingly Initiate, and develop team goals and plans and use feedback to inform future planning Respond proactively to changing circumstances and adjust plans and schedules when necessary Consider the implications of immediate and longer term organisational issues and how these might impact on the achievement of team/unit goals Accommodate and respond with initiative to changing priorities and operating environments Perform basic research and analysis which others will use to inform project directions Understand project goals, steps to be undertaken and expected outcomes Prepare accurate documentation to support cost or resource estimates Participate and contribute to reviews of progress, outcomes and future improvements Identify and escalate any possible variance from project plans Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated Collaborate on the establishment of clear performance standards and deadlines in line with established performance development frameworks Develop team capability and recognise and develop potential in people Be constructive and build on strengths when giving feedback Identify and act on opportunities to provide coaching and mentoring Recognise performance issues that need to be addressed and work towards resolution of issues People Management Develop team/unit plans that take into account team capability and Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 7
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework Group and Capability Level Behavioural Indicators Optimise Business Outcomes strengths Plan and monitor resource allocation effectively to achieve team/unit objectives Ensure team members work with a good understanding of business principles as they apply to the public sector context Participate in wider organisational workforce planning to ensure the availability of capable resources Role Description Horticulture Coordinator 8