Glasshouse Manager - Princess of Wales Conservatory (maternity cover)

We are seeking a passionate and experienced horticultural professional on a fixed term, one year post, to lead the management of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The iconic glasshouse contains ten distinct climate zones and a hugely diverse range of plants from across temperate and tropical regions of the world.

As manager of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, you will be responsible for the strategic day-to-day management of the glasshouse environment, plant collections, and diverse horticultural team of staff, students and volunteers. You will ensure exceptional plant health, deliver an inspiring visitor experience, support Kew’s scientific, conservation and educational work, and lead the delivery of Kew’s renowned annual Orchid Festival.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced horticultural professional on a fixed term, one year post, to lead the management of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The iconic glasshouse contains ten distinct climate zones and a hugely diverse range of plants from across temperate and tropical regions of the world.

As manager of the Princess of Wales Conservatory, you will be responsible for the strategic day-to-day management of the glasshouse environment, plant collections, and diverse horticultural team of staff, students and volunteers. You will ensure exceptional plant health, deliver an inspiring visitor experience, support Kew’s scientific, conservation and educational work, and lead the delivery of Kew’s renowned annual Orchid Festival.

Glasshouse Manager - Princess of Wales Conservatory (maternity cover)

More details

You will hold an NVQ Level 3 (or higher) in Horticulture or an equivalent qualification, such as the RHS Level 3 Diploma. You will have experience managing horticultural teams, including volunteers, and applying effective performance management. You will demonstrate strong practical skills in glasshouse plant care, horticultural techniques, machinery use, and pest, disease, irrigation, and nutrition management, with a good understanding of health and safety. Experience creating high-quality displays is essential, with coaching skills, living collections, or event display experience desirable.

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 £39,243 per annum [Band D]

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.