Who We Are

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV) is situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples. RBGV is a Victorian Government agency that manages the Melbourne Gardens and Cranbourne Gardens sites, and over one million specimens of plants, algae, and fungi native to Australia held at the National Herbarium of Victoria. RBGV is committed to a long-lasting reconciliation journey by supporting and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and people. We acknowledge, respect, and strive to strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We honour all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their ongoing connection to the lands our Melbourne and Cranbourne sites are situated on and the plants therein. We also honour all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their countries across Australia that much of our conservation, research and education plant work extends to.

RBGV has recently developed and launched its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2024–26, which can be found on our website: www.rbg.vic.gov.au.

What You’ll Do

We are seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Aboriginal Programs Guide to join our team on a casual basis. In this role, you will deliver engaging First Peoples plant knowledge tours for local, national and international visitors, sharing stories that connect culture, plants, history and experience. You will contribute to the development and delivery of high-quality, culturally safe tourism programs, while supporting partnerships with Traditional Owners and First Peoples communities. With cultural sensitivity and strong interpersonal skills, you will ensure all programs are inclusive and respectful, while maintaining up-to-date knowledge of the Gardens through training and self-learning.

The role also involves contributing to planning, reporting and monitoring processes, managing risk appropriately, and supporting both new and existing programs and initiatives. Working collaboratively within the team, you’ll bring creativity, professionalism, and flexibility to help achieve organisational priorities and deliver memorable visitor experiences.

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant qualifications or experience in First Peoples tourism, cultural program delivery or tour guiding, with a strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and community aspirations.
• Experience in engaging diverse audiences, you’ll bring excellent communication, storytelling and customer service skills, along with the ability to interpret cultural and scientific concepts in accessible ways.
• An ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, build respectful networks with First Peoples communities, and show a willingness to expand your knowledge of local Indigenous plants and Healing Country practices.
• An ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, with solid problem-solving and organisational skills, basic computer proficiency, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

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.

This is a designated position under s.12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

RBGV is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds. Our organisation is committed to being culturally safe and inclusive.

Child Safety

Our organisation is a proudly child safe organisation and committed to protecting children and young people from harm. All applicants will be required to complete the necessary pre-employment checks prior to appointment.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please visit the Victorian Government Careers website by clicking 'Apply now'. 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.

Enquiries can be directed by email to [email protected] using the subject line: Aboriginal Programs Guide enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.