Job title:
Director of the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland
Employer:
Office of Public Works
Location:
Dublin
Closing Date:
3pm, Thursday, 13th November 2025
Salary:
Starting at €76,493
About the Employer:
The Office of Public Works (OPW) manages over 2,000 buildings spread over 1,700 properties throughout the country. It has one of the largest and most diverse property portfolios in the State, ranging from important buildings such as Dublin Castle, Garda stations, Government offices, cultural institutions, National Monuments, and specialist buildings like the Forensic Science Ireland Laboratory.
The OPW is responsible for the conservation, restoration, management and presentation of key elements of the National heritage portfolio which encompasses 780 National Monuments, 32 historic properties and circa 5,000 acres of designed landscapes and historic gardens including Dublin Castle, the Phoenix Park, St. Stephen's Green, the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland and the two UNESCO World Heritage sites of Sceilg Mhichíl and Brú na Bóinne.
The OPW is responsible for the strategic and operational management of these internationally and nationally significant state owned properties, conserving a most valuable part of our National heritage and playing a vital role in the Irish tourism economy welcoming a high proportion of domestic and overseas visitors annually.
About the Role:
Reporting to a Principal Officer and through them, to the Assistant Secretary General for Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery, the Director will have a key leadership role in the OPW's heritage management structure.
They will lead and manage staff (including scientists, gardeners, interpretative guides and administrative staff) across all locations under the Director's responsibility. They will ensure that the gardens are presented to the highest international standards and undertake and supervise research, produce publications and deliver high quality interpretation and education programmes.
About You:
Essential Candidates must have on or before Thursday, 13th November 2025:
1. A qualification at minimum level 9 (Master's degree) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualifications equivalent in Botany or Horticulture. and
2. A minimum of ten years post qualification experience working in Botany, Horticulture or a similar area.
Candidates must also demonstrate:
1. Significant senior management experience including a strong track record of leading and managing in a botanical garden or in a similar environment.
2. A proven ability to lead and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team including scientific, professional and technical staff, gardeners and guides.
3. Strong experience of managing funds and assets in line with corporate governance best practice. 6. Experience of budgetary management including evaluating projects on cost, risk and value for money.
4. Experience of applying for, receiving and managing grants for research and other projects.
5. Experience of managing and/or implementing health and safety in a botanical garden or a similar environment.
6. A proven track record of publishing publications in the areas of botany and/or horticulture.
7. A professional knowledge of the plant world.
8. An excellent knowledge of taxonomy.
9. High level of commitment, motivation and the capacity to work independently.
10. A good understanding of current and developing issues affecting national botanic gardens.
11. A knowledge of current legislative requirements, including EU directives, applicable to the management of botanic gardens.
12. Strong attention to detail with a structured and organised approach to task planning, execution and completion in a busy operational environment.
13. Well-developed research, analytical and problem solving skills.
14. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
15. Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including presentation skills) with the ability to use plain English and present information in a clear, logical and comprehensive manner to diverse audiences.
16. A commitment to the sharing of knowledge, information and expertise.
17. Experience in supporting organisational change and/or developing and/or implementing new digital tools, strategies and/or programmes.
18. A proven ability to exercise integrity and professional judgement.
19. The ability to represent the National Botanic Gardens and the Office of Public Works credibly and effectively in public fora and in public communications.
20. A commitment to continuing professional learning and development.
21. Good IT skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 13th November, 2025.
We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.