About the role

We are seeking an experienced Head Gardener to lead our horticultural team and oversee all aspects of garden and grounds maintenance at Rushall Park. Rushall Park, our heritage-listed retirement village in Fitzroy North, features beautifully maintained gardens that play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of our residents. This hands-on role requires a balance of expert horticultural care and strong communication skills to foster engagement with residents and volunteers while maintaining and enhancing our landscapes.

What’s on offer

Abound Communities is focused on living our values, not just talking about them. You will find the culture at Abound Communities is one of genuine respect, support, and positive intention. We work hard to achieve results through change, continuous improvement, and ongoing focus on providing the best service delivery to our stakeholders. 

Further, the successful candidate will receive:

• Access to the tax benefits of salary packaging 
• Access to professional development programs
• Be part of an organisation and a team that is driven to make a difference to the lives of others

Key Responsibilities are as below:

• Lead, train, and supervise the gardening team, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Plan and oversee daily garden maintenance, ensuring high-quality care of lawns, gardens, irrigation systems, and equipment.
• Apply pesticides and herbicides safely and responsibly, explaining processes and safety measures to residents where necessary.
• Coordinate and support volunteers, engaging with residents to build strong community relationships.
• Develop and implement seasonal maintenance plans and contribute to garden design initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations and best practices.
• Manage work requests and provide regular updates to management and residents on key projects and works in progress.

The right candidate must have:

• Certificate IV in Horticulture (or equivalent experience).
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of plant care, irrigation systems, and pest control.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, fostering a supportive and open work environment.
• A current Police Check is essential.
• Full COVID19 vaccination.(including the booster shot)

Desirable:

• First Aid Certificate.
• Experience in landscape design and garden planning.
• Computer literacy for record-keeping and effective reporting.

If this sounds like the role for you, click on APPLY NOW!

Click APPLY to submit your interest and we’ll be in touch shortly. Including a cover letter with your application is strongly encouraged. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

To find out more about us and the wonderful work we do, please visit us at https://aboundcommunities.org.au/ 

Applications close on 20 February 2026.

Abound Communities reserves the right to remove advertising and/or commence the selection process before the application close date. Abound Communities is committed to equal opportunity and ensuring the workplace is reflective of the community. We are committed to appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity. 

The successful candidate will also be required to demonstrate entitlement to work in Australia, and to disclose any pre-existing injury or disease which may be adversely affected by undertaking the inherent requirements of the position.

We encourage people from different backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with a disability.