Horticulturist – Herbaceous Team

Horticulturist – Herbaceous Team (2 vacancies)

Contract type: Permanent

Working hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Location: Edinburgh (onsite)

Salary: £27,366

Job Description

Purpose

To deliver high-quality horticultural works in the living collection.

Core Responsibilities

• Undertake a wide range of horticultural maintenance activities, including weeding, hoeing, digging, mulching and seasonal clearance, helping to maintain the highest standards across the garden.

Maintain and develop herbaceous plantings through activities such as division, pruning and cutting back, supporting the health, diversity, and visual quality of the collection.

Plant and transplant trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, and bulbs, providing appropriate aftercare including staking, watering, mulching, and deadheading to promote successful establishment.

Maintain accurate plant records and assist with the placement and upkeep of plant labels, contributing to the management and interpretation of the living collection.

• Support irrigation activities and help ensure plants across both irrigated and non-irrigated areas receive appropriate care during periods of dry weather.

• Carry out pruning and training of trees, shrubs, climbers, and wall-trained plants in accordance with horticultural best practice.

Maintain formal and informal hedges to a high standard, contributing to the overall health, appearance, and structure of the landscape.

• Safely operate and maintain horticultural machinery and equipment, including mowers, strimmers and leaf blowers, ensuring tools are clean, well maintained and fit for purpose.

• Carry out turf maintenance and reinstatement works, including turf laying, edging, and seeding, to support the ongoing presentation and development of the garden.

• Assist with the careful removal, adaptation, and redevelopment of landscaped areas, contributing to the creation and enhancement of garden features and displays.

• Support the removal and processing of larger tree material, including branches, stumps and woody debris, using appropriate equipment and safe working practices.

Identify and remove diseased plant material in accordance with biosecurity procedures and garden management practices.

Support student placements, teaching activities, and group projects, helping to create positive learning experiences and share horticultural knowledge.

• Work alongside volunteers, providing guidance, encouragement and practical support to help them contribute effectively and enjoyably to the work of the team.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the garden.

Act as a welcoming and knowledgeable ambassador for the garden, engaging positively with visitors and responding helpfully to questions where appropriate.

• Protect and safeguard the living collections during all horticultural, maintenance and development activities.

• Contribute ideas and suggestions that support the sustainable conservation, development and enhancement of the collections and wider garden.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.

Person Specification

Essential Skills

• Demonstrates a commitment to delivering work to a high standard, with strong attention to quality and detail.

• Confident using digital tools and systems, with the ability to learn new software and applications as required.

• Works effectively as part of a team, taking guidance when needed.

Shows initiative, motivation, and the ability to manage and prioritise a variety of tasks independently.

Experience of carrying out routine garden and landscape maintenance activities.

• Interest in, and enthusiasm for, herbaceous plants, shrubs, and horticulture more broadly.

• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop skills in, plant propagation techniques.

Understanding of plant health, including the identification and management of common pests, diseases, and plant care requirements.

• Practical horticultural experience typically gained over at least two years.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working with documented plant collections and an understanding of the importance of accurate plant records in a botanic garden environment.

Relevant horticultural qualifications and a commitment to continuing professional development.

PA1 and PA6 certification, demonstrating knowledge of safe and responsible pesticide application practices.

• A full driving licence would be advantageous.