Botanical Horticulturist

Developing the Temperate Grasslands of Wakehurst, including the Steppe Landscape and American Prairie is an ambitious and continually evolving horticultural project. This role is an opportunity to put that ambition into practice. Working under the guidance of the Team Lead you will carry out the annual routine maintenance and contribute to increasing the diversity of plants on display in the Steppe Landscape, American Prairie and Southern Hemisphere Garden. The role is part time, three days a week.

Developing the Temperate Grasslands of Wakehurst, including the Steppe Landscape and American Prairie is an ambitious and continually evolving horticultural project. This role is an opportunity to put that ambition into practice. Working under the guidance of the Team Lead you will carry out the annual routine maintenance and contribute to increasing the diversity of plants on display in the Steppe Landscape, American Prairie and Southern Hemisphere Garden. The role is part time, three days a week.

Botanical Horticulturist

More details

Our ideal candidate will have a horticultural qualification equivalent to NVQ level 2 (or equivalent experience). You have an interest in experimental herbaceous plantings and a desire to get to know the plant communities that make up the Steppe Landscape and various American Prairie plantings at Wakehurst. You will also contribute to the maintenance of the Winter Garden and Southern Hemisphere beds. Previous experience of outdoor routine maintenance tasks, including mowing, strimming, and planting is essential. Your attention to detail and horticultural expertise will ensure our temperate grasslands thrive, providing visitors with an immersive and enjoyable experience.

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.

We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.

Join us on our journey as protectors of the world’s plants and fungi.

The salary for this position is £29,692 - £31,434 per annum (pro rata), depending on skills and experience [Band B]

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking “Apply for this job”.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.