The Garden City Ambassador is an opportunity for a respected leader in urban greening to play a key role in Melbourne’s green legacy – promoting visionary projects, helping shape parks and gardens and inspiring a greener future for our city.

We’re looking for someone experienced in horticulture, urban ecology, management or curation of urban landscapes to bring their voice to our city at a pivotal time.

The Garden City Ambassador will work alongside the First Nations Garden City Ambassador and demonstrate a respect for Country in their approach.

As the Garden City Ambassador, you’ll have the opportunity to:

1. advocate for and promote the City of Melbourne’s urban greening priorities and key city greening projects
2. share expert advice to shape world-leading green spaces
3. champion the critical role green infrastructure plays in a thriving, climate-resilient city
4. work in partnership with the First Nations Garden City Ambassador.

The Garden City Ambassador is a two-year appointment, with an option for extension at the end of this period.

The work you’ll support

At City of Melbourne, we’re on a mission to maximise urban greening and establish Melbourne’s identity as the Garden City.

To grow our Garden City we’ll explore more ways to fit leafy parks into some of Melbourne's most built up city corners as well as ways to fast-track greening projects.

We know that green open space is vital for both our city’s liveability and our community’s wellbeing – and while we’re proud of Melbourne’s green spaces, we’re also excited to see what's next.

For further information on the roles and responsibilities of the Garden City Ambassador please see the attached Role Description (161 KB).

We'd love to hear how you can make an impact in this role. As part of the application form, you’ll be required to:

• address all the selection criteria via our application form; and
• attach your resume (no more than two pages).

Submit your application no later than 11:45pm on Sunday 5 October 2025.

A few important things to note:

• Applications must be submitted online. Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications via email, so please be sure to apply through this Participate Melbourne page.
• We are a child-safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has zero tolerance for child abuse. All our employees and volunteers undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info? Contact us at greeningmelbourne@melbourne.vic.gov.au

What are the selection criteria to become the Garden City Ambassador?

Applicants must have experience in horticulture, urban ecology or management/curation of urban landscapes and respond to the application questions.

What is the purpose of the Garden City Ambassador?

The Garden City Ambassador will support Council’s greening initiatives by creating awareness of projects through media and community engagement activities, promoting Melbourne as the Garden City, and sharing expertise and advice to help make our city’s our parks, gardens and green spaces the best in the world.

How long is the tenure and time commitment?

The time commitment may vary month to month.

At minimum, attendance will be required at quarterly meetings of the Parks and Gardens Advisory Committee meetings (two-hour meetings with approximately two hours of preparation per meeting).

Additional time commitment relating to other duties may include attending a meeting, making a public appearance, or contributing to communications material. All commitments will be planned and agreed in advance.

The Garden City Ambassador is a two-year term, with an option for extension at the end of this period.

Is the Garden City Ambassador a paid role?

Payment may be considered for the role.

Will there be a First Nations Garden City Ambassador?

A First Nations Garden City Ambassador will be appointed through direct engagement with Traditional Owners.

The two roles will work closely together to champion the voices and ambitions of Aboriginal communities in the city’s green spaces.

Who will select the Garden City Ambassador?

The review and appointment process will be undertaken by City of Melbourne management. Council will be notified of the outcome in a Briefing Paper.

Is there a Code of Conduct for the Garden City Ambassador?

The Garden City Ambassador must understand the role and abide by Council’s policies, procedures and guidelines.

Applicants who proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process will be required to complete mandatory role requirements including a reference check, police check, Working with Children Check, online induction and read and agree to our policies and procedures.

How can I get more information?

Contact us at greeningmelbourne@melbourne.vic.gov.au