Royal Botanic Gardens Board positions

The Minister for Environment is seeking expressions of interest for six positions, including the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, on the Royal Botanic Gardens Board with terms of appointment commencing on 1 October 2023.

The Board is responsible for the management of two botanic gardens, Melbourne Gardens and Cranbourne Gardens, as well as the State Botanical Collection (housed within the National Herbarium of Victoria).

The role of a member

Members of the Board contribute to the effective functioning and decision-making of the Board to ensure that it can fulfil its statutory functions. In carrying out their role, members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with: common law director’s duties, the public sector values as set out by section 7 of the Public Administration Act 2004, the duties of directors set out under section 79 of the Public Administration Act 2004 and the Code of Conduct for Directors of Victorian Public Entities.

The Board usually meets at least six times per year. Members are expected to attend at least 75 per cent of meetings.

The role of Chairperson

The Chairperson is responsible for the cohesive operation of the Board and ensures smooth running of board meetings. The Chairperson must ensure that all board members’ views are considered in decision-making. In leading the Board, the Chairperson ensures the broader aspects, such as policy, legal or governance issues, are considered as part of the Board’s decision-making.

The Chairperson of the Board will be drawn from the members of the Board. Potential chairpersons are identified as part of the appointment process.

For further information about the positions please read the attached position description.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring the diversity of our boards represents the diversity of our communities. Women, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with a disability, young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse and intersex people are encouraged to apply.

Applicants from rural and regional Victoria are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants will be shortlisted on the basis of high-level skills, experience or knowledge in:

• botany or horticulture
• business management, financial management or public administration
• nature conservation
• recreation provision, education or tourism.

The following skills will also be considered highly desirable:

• climate resilience and sustainability
• community engagement
• cultural knowledge and authority from lived experience as a Victorian Traditional Owner and/or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
• engineering, project management or strategic asset management
• information technology and digital strategy
• landscape architecture or design
• philanthropy, fundraising and/or advocacy
• science communication.

Applicants are required to register an account on the Join a Public Board website at www.boards.vic.gov.au prior to applying online.

Applicants will have the opportunity to address the key selection criteria and outline relevant qualifications and experience when completing the online application and should view all documents including the position description.

Applicants are invited to look at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) support modules at www.delwp.vic.gov.au/boards-and-governance/on-board for its agencies to learn about how DEECA selects its board members and other recommended reading.

If you need assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the application or interview process, please contact us on the details below.

Applicants with further enquiries or those with difficulties in accessing the documents should contact DEECA by email appointments.lmp@delwp.vic.gov.au or by calling on (03) 8508 1435, using the National Relay Service 133 677 if required.

Expressions of Interest close midnight Monday 10 April 2023.