BGANZ Executive Officer - Position Profile

There are over 150 botanic gardens around Australia ranging in size from small and local to regional and the large capital city gardens. In New Zealand almost every city and town has at least one botanic garden. They are some of the most visited places, for example, 6.2 million people visited botanic gardens in Australia in 2009-10, or more than one third of the population over 15 years old. In New Zealand, gardens are also very popular with both tourists (around half a million visitors per annum since 2006) and locals, with gardening one of the most popular recreational pastimes. Although popular as a destination has been perceived that there is a lack of widespread public recognition or understanding of botanic gardens.

ABOUT BGANZ

Botanic Gardens Australia and New Zealand – BGANZ is an association whose purpose is to represent the interests of botanic gardens in Australia and New Zealand, to promote their interests and activities and enhance the situation of botanic gardens for the benefit of the community. It was formed in 2004 (incorporated in the ACT) as a result of recognition by professionals working in the field that there was a need to promote the value of botanic gardens as institutions, and to provide a professional support network. Membership currently numbers 104, comprising 61 institutional members, 28 individual members, and 15 associate members. BGANZ has a Council comprised of one regional representative from each Australian State and Territory, two representatives from New Zealand botanic gardens, and a maximum of two members elected or appointed by the capital-city gardens. BGANZ also has four regional groups - New Zealand, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria - which provide a more local focus for information and support networks, and recently some focused working groups have also been initiated (botanical records, education and professional development). The main BGANZ activities are a website, newsletter, biennial congress (regional groups have meetings in the alternate years), networking and some professional development. Funds are currently sourced largely from membership fees and raising funds is the key challenge to enable improved and increased benefits and services for members. More details can be found at www.bganz.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The BGANZ Executive Officer works approximately 8 – 10 hours per week, negotiated with the Council depending on operational requirements. The office is currently hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra, although flexible home-based arrangements are also a possibility. The Executive Officer deals primarily with the administration and coordination of Council business (meetings including quarterly teleconferences, AGMs), communications and networking support for members, membership management, financial management and reporting, and the coordination of newsletter and website updates, as priorities. The position would suit someone who has administrative and communications skills (web site management and social networking skills would be highly regarded), is organized, self motivated, likes interacting with people (mostly remotely, but there will also be opportunities to attend face to face meetings). Since its establishment in 2004 the organization has been gradually developing a more structured business approach, but there is a lot of room for continued improvement and contributions will be welcomed. The President is Canberra-based and regular consultation is possible and expected.

DUTY STATEMENT

1. Provide Secretariat support services to the Council of Botanic Gardens of Australia and New Zealand (BGANZ).
2. Manage the administration of BGANZ finances, membership and website.
3. Coordinate and edit a newsletter 3 times per year.
4. Promote and coordinate BGANZ objectives and activities, and communicate with members and stakeholders.
5. Undertake other duties as directed by the Council.
6. Implement change as required.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills, including financial /budget management.
2. Well developed communication skills (oral and written) and capacity to represent BGANZ to the media and the community.
3. Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and work independently but also work as a member of a team.
4. An appreciation of Government policies on Workplace Diversity, Workplace Participation and Occupational Health and Safety.

PAY AND CONDITIONS

Remuneration will be flexible depending on skills and experience, on an annual contract.
Some travel may be required to attend face to face meetings. All travel costs will be met on a cost-recovery basis (plus salary).

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For further information please contact Anne Duncan, BGANZ President, on 0427 801 804.

Applications addressing the selection criteria will be due by COB Friday, 3 February 2012.
Email bganz.secretariat@environment.gov.au or mail to BGANZ, c/- GPO Box 1777, Canberra  ACT 2601.

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