Peter E Symes
Overview
Peter Symes is considered one of the most respected botanical horticulturists in Australia, having developed the methodology for the world leading Landscape Succession project at Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (RBGV), where he worked in various roles (mostly as Senior Curator) for over 30 years. This pioneering work, together with his extensive expertise in water management and living collections curation, has led to Peter’s capability being in demand across the world. Peter’s horticultural expertise is coupled with dedication, attention to detail and strategic approach to botanic gardens management. Peter recently relocated back to Victoria after a stint as Curator of the heritage Cooktown Botanic Gardens, one of Australia’s most remote and northerly botanic gardens. Key Accomplishments
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Capabilities
Innovative strategic planning and implementation: resolved vexing challenges confronting botanic gardens management through integrated analysis, change management, process improvement, and policy and plan development. Technically proficient: high-level skills in environmental monitoring, living collections development and management, plant identification, selection and curation, plant nutrition and soil management, landscape adaptation, biosecurity management, and data management. These skills have enabled reputation building, innovation, better strategic thinking, and broader partnerships. People skills: leadership through a focus on relationships, teamwork and demonstrating strong personal commitment to evoke respect and deeper engagement from all levels within organisations. This includes mentoring horticultural staff to facilitating international network development. Communication: proficiency in connecting with multiple audiences whether through developing strategic plans, presenting technical research, writing academic papers and reports, or public speaking across a range of other organisations. Networking and partnerships: renowned industry reputation for local to international engagement with a wide diversity of people and other organisations to provide quality outcomes while maximising resourcing and support in challenging environments. Project management: proven ability to lead projects of various scales and deliver timely results within budget, considering the needs of involved parties. Motivated and self-learning: sound levels of skills and knowledge have developed in botanic gardens and large landscape management, even on topics where formal training was not readily available. |