KRISTY LEIGH ROLES
Sunbury,VIC
Work Preference
Summary
Qualified horticulturist with lifelong involvement in gardening and hands-on experience in plant care, propagation, garden maintenance, pest and disease management, weed control and landscape improvement. Holds a Certificate IV in Horticulture, combining formal technical training with practical knowledge developed through many years of maintaining established gardens, community garden leadership and growing indigenous plants for revegetation projects.
Known for strong plant knowledge, attention to detail and the ability to identify plant health, maintenance and safety concerns early. Organised, reliable and confident working independently, managing daily priorities and recommending practical improvements that enhance the presentation and long-term health of garden spaces.
Experienced in delivering horticultural workshops and translating technical information into clear, practical guidance for gardeners with varying levels of experience.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Leader
Sunbury Community Garden
06.2026 - Current
- Provide practical leadership and support for the maintenance, improvement and safe operation of a community garden used by members with varying levels of gardening experience.
- Monitor communal garden areas and identify plant-health, weed, maintenance and safety issues requiring attention.
- Coordinate garden maintenance activities, including garden-bed preparation, weeding, mulching, pruning, cleaning and seasonal tasks.
- Develop planting concepts and recommend suitable plants based on site conditions, appearance, maintenance requirements and long-term performance.
- Assist with the redesign and improvement of public-facing garden beds using Australian native and climate-appropriate plants.
- Identify pest and disease concerns and recommend appropriate cultural, physical or low-impact management strategies.
- Improve the organisation and use of the greenhouse to support seed propagation and healthy plant establishment.
- Coordinate working bees and help allocate tasks according to priority, safety requirements and volunteer capability.
- Promote appropriate chemical-use procedures, safe tool practices and compliance with garden and Council requirements.
- Maintain clear records relating to safety issues, maintenance requests, cleaning, chemicals and garden operations.
- Communicate professionally with garden members, fellow team leaders and Hume City Council representatives.
- Coordinated community workshops to promote gardening skills and environmental awareness.
- Oversaw scheduling of tasks, improving workflow efficiency among team members.
- Facilitated communication between volunteers and stakeholders to enhance community engagement.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Volunteer
Sunbury Edible Garden Trail
03.2026 - Current
- Supported a community event showcasing productive, sustainable and well-maintained local gardens.
- Assisted with visitor engagement, event activities and the presentation of garden spaces.
- Shared practical gardening knowledge in a welcoming and accessible manner.
Horticulturist
Independent Garden Care and Development
01.2018 - Current
- Developed and implemented sustainable gardening practices for improved soil quality and plant growth.
- Conducted soil analysis to determine nutrient levels, pH balance, and amendment needs.
- Collaborated with clients to create tailored garden plans based on individual preferences and environmental conditions.
- Inspected gardens to identify insect or disease problems and weed control needs.
- Implemented integrated pest management practices to minimize chemical usage while maintaining healthy plants.
- Assisted clients in selecting appropriate plants based on climate conditions, sun exposure, soil type, and desired aesthetic appeal.
- Retained knowledge of garden plants and understanding of cultural requirements to maximize growth and cultivation.
- Documented plant information and identified plant material to process and maintain accession records.
- Educated clients on sustainable gardening practices, promoting the benefits of organic methods and native plants.
Volunteer Grower and Coordinator
TreeProject
09.2022 - Current
- Propagated indigenous seedlings for revegetation and habitat-restoration projects across Victoria.
- Grew and cared for approximately 1,200 indigenous plants from seed for community revegetation projects.
- Prepared propagation materials and maintained appropriate moisture, light and growing conditions.
- Monitored seedlings for germination, growth, nutrient requirements, pests, disease and environmental stress.
- Watered, thinned, potted on and hardened plants in preparation for delivery and planting.
- Maintained accurate plant labels and followed species-specific growing instructions.
- Progressed to a coordinator role, providing guidance and support to other volunteer growers.
- Developed strong practical skills in plant establishment, early plant-health assessment and problem-solving.
Full-Time Family Carer and Care Coordinator
Private Family Setting
01.2009 - 12.2025
- Managed complex daily responsibilities while coordinating services for a family member with significant disability-support needs.
- Independently organised appointments, schedules, reports, records and competing priorities.
- Coordinated communication between health professionals, service providers and government agencies.
- Maintained confidential and accurate documentation.
- Identified emerging issues and followed through until appropriate action was taken.
- Developed exceptional patience, reliability, resilience and problem-solving skills.
- Successfully supported a major transition into full-time assisted living.
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with family members for tailored support.
Customer Service Specialist – Credit Cards
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
01.2008 - 01.2008
- Responded to inbound customer enquiries in a structured call-centre environment.
- Navigated multiple computer systems while maintaining accurate case notes.
- Explained information clearly and managed sensitive or escalated enquiries professionally.
- Streamlined service processes, enhancing overall customer satisfaction and engagement.
- Managed high call volume while maintaining a courteous and professional demeanor.
- Adapted quickly to changes in company policies or procedures ensuring consistency in delivering accurate information to customers.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving issues promptly and professionally.
- Established trust with clients through clear communication, patience, and understanding their unique challenges fully before offering solutions tailored to their needs.
Branch Manager
The Cash Store
03.2005 - 03.2007
- Managed daily branch operations, customer service, administration and reporting.
- Prioritised workloads and worked independently to meet operational targets.
- Managed confidential financial information and maintained accurate records.
- Provided Western Union money-transfer services.
Floor Supervisor
Crieff Hydro
01.2003 - 01.2004
Restaurant Supervisor
Daniel's Restaurant
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Supervised staff and maintained high standards of customer service and presentation.
- Organised daily duties and responded calmly to changing operational requirements.
Education
Certificate III - Business
Kangan Institute
Broadmeadows06-2026
Certificate IV - Horticulture
Melbourne Polytechnic
Fairfield, VIC11-2023
Skills
- Knowledge of plant varieties
- Evaluating plant conditions
- Plant maintenance expertise
- Integrated pest management skills
- Weed management and garden-bed preparation
- Mulching, soil improvement and compost use
- Plant propagation and seedling establishment
- Seasonal garden maintenance
- Landscape planting plans and garden improvements
- Irrigation observation and basic issue identification
- Safe use and organisation of garden tools
- Workplace health and safety
- Independent workload management
- Client and community communication
- Accurate records and documentation
- Organized and efficient
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
Accomplishments
Nominated by Hume Council as a Sustainability Star and will be featured in the monthly Live Green newsletter
Timeline
Team Leader
Sunbury Community Garden
06.2026 - Current
Volunteer
Sunbury Edible Garden Trail
03.2026 - Current
Volunteer Grower and Coordinator
TreeProject
09.2022 - Current
Horticulturist
Independent Garden Care and Development
01.2018 - Current
Full-Time Family Carer and Care Coordinator
Private Family Setting
01.2009 - 12.2025
Customer Service Specialist – Credit Cards
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
01.2008 - 01.2008
Branch Manager
The Cash Store
03.2005 - 03.2007
Floor Supervisor
Crieff Hydro
01.2003 - 01.2004
Restaurant Supervisor
Daniel's Restaurant
01.1999 - 01.2003
Certificate III - Business
Kangan Institute
Certificate IV - Horticulture
Melbourne Polytechnic
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Current Victorian Driver's Licence
- Based in Sunbury and available for travel across Melbourne
- Available for full-time employment
- Physically comfortable undertaking practical outdoor garden tasks
- Strong commitment to safe, environmentally responsible horticultural practices
- Willing to obtain any required employment checks or additional training