Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

About the Opportunity 

The Open Space Officer supports the day-to-day delivery of Landscape and Open Space operations across Griffith University’s Northern campuses. This role provides practical field support, frontline coordination and operational follow-up across gardens, lawns, sports fields, irrigation, trees, bushland interfaces, campus presentation and related external areas.

The position is suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, understands landscape maintenance and open space operations, and is also comfortable using mobile devices and University systems to update work records, capture photos, follow up service requests and support asset information.

Key Responsibilities

• Support daily Landscape/Open Space priorities across the Northern campuses, including gardens, lawns, sports fields, irrigation, trees, bushland interfaces and campus presentation
• Coordinate and guide gardeners, contractors and subcontractors in routine BAU tasks, site priorities, follow-up actions and safe work practices
• Undertake practical field checks, QA observations and service follow-up, escalating risks, defects, WHS matters, presentation issues or contractor performance concerns as required
• Maintain practical knowledge of plant, machinery, tools, equipment condition, safe operation requirements and workshop/compound housekeeping
• Use University systems and mobile devices to update service requests, capture photos, record work status, document field observations and support open space asset information
• Assist with basic field information capture for trees, irrigation, sports fields, gardens, paths/tracks, furniture and other open space assets
• Support small landscape improvement works through materials coordination, site preparation, contractor interface and field follow-up
• Assist with bushland, weed, fire trail, hazard reduction burn preparation, tree management and storm/weather response activities within role capability
• Support service continuity during leave coverage, events, campus activities, project interfaces or operational peaks, including occasional support to Gold Coast or other Griffith campuses when required.

About you 

• Practical experience in horticulture, parks and gardens, landscaping, sports turf, natural area management or similar open space operations
• Sound understanding of safe work practices, WHS requirements, plant and machinery operation and landscape maintenance standards
• Ability to coordinate routine field activities, support staff and contractors and follow through on operational priorities
• Good judgement to identify risks, defects, presentation issues and service gaps and escalate matters appropriately
• Confidence using, or quickly learning, digital systems and mobile tools for work updates, photos, service requests, asset information and basic reporting
• A practical, hands-on approach combined with good communication, reliability and attention to detail
• Willingness to work across different campus environments and support operational priorities as needed
• A strong service mindset, with a focus on safe, consistent and responsive campus presentation for students, staff and visitors.
• Certificate III/IV or equivalent experience in horticulture, parks and gardens, landscaping, sports turf, natural area management or a related field.
• Practical knowledge of landscape maintenance, plant and machinery operation, workshop/compound housekeeping, safe work practices and WHS requirements.
• Ability to use, or quickly learn, University systems and mobile/digital tools for service requests, work updates, photos, asset information capture and basic reporting inputs.
• Current Class C driver licence. Relevant plant/equipment tickets or willingness to obtain as required.
• Knowledge of Workplace Health & Safety requirements and Environmental Issues and Legislation.

What we can offer

This is a full time, continuing opportunity base at Brisbane South (Nathan) campus. As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary

HEW 4 – Base range - $74,126.99 - $80,321.54 + 17% superannuation. Full package range - $89,067.75 - $93,976.19.

Why join Griffith? 
 
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer: 

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities 

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment 

• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts 

• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading 

• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme 

• Opportunities for internal mobility 

• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities 

At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy. 

How to apply 

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following: 

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role please refer to the qualifications above and the position description.

• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details 

For further specifics about the role please reach out to Vatsal Naik, Operations Coordinator on [email protected] 

For application and recruitment advice please reach out to Laura Whitworth, Talent Acqusition Partner on [email protected]

Closing date: Open until filled. All applications must be submitted online.