Botanical Horticulturist

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Oxford is seeking a qualified horticulturist to maintain and develop its plant collection. This full-time role involves cultivation, public education support, and teamwork within a vibrant department. The ideal candidate will possess a Level 3 horticultural qualification and extensive experience with garden machinery. Benefits include a contributory pension scheme and 38 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Contributory pension scheme

38 days of annual leave

Comprehensive childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Discounted bus travel

Qualifications

• Level 3 or equivalent horticultural qualification or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience with garden machinery and equipment.
• Solid understanding of relevant plant collections.
• Demonstrate safe working practices in horticulture.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate, maintain and develop the plant collection.
• Contribute to planning and development work.
• Support public education activities.
• Work closely with trainees and volunteers.

Skills

Use of garden machinery

Collaboration

Plant collections knowledge

Horticultural excellence

Education

Level 3 horticultural qualification

Tools

Horticultural tools

Job description

Overview

Oxford Botanic Garden is the UK's oldest botanic garden and occupies a world-class position in terms of its history and academic location. Founded in 1621 the Garden is committed to educating people about the importance of plants, to help conserve plants from around the world, and to conduct and support teaching and research within the University and beyond.

Job Summary

We are seeking a qualified horticulturist to cultivate, maintain and develop the collection of plants grown within the outdoor areas of the Botanic Garden. You will contribute to the planning and development of the work of the collection, working closely with the Horticultural Supervisor and the Curator and Head of Horticulture to achieve high horticultural standards. You will participate in the day-to-day cultivation of the collection. In addition to the horticultural duties, you will support public education activities and work closely with trainees and volunteers. This post offers a unique opportunity to join a small, enthusiastic team in a busy and vibrant department. This is a full-time post, working 36.5 hours per week.

Qualifications

You will have a Level 3 or equivalent horticultural qualification, or demonstrable evidence of equivalent experience, along with extensive experience of the use and maintenance of a wide range of garden machinery and equipment. You will have a solid understanding of plant collections relevant to those held at Oxford Botanic Garden, and be able to demonstrate safe working practices in the use of tools, machinery, and pesticides (NPTC Pa1 and Pa6). It would be advantageous if you have experience working in a public or heritage garden and have developed a specialist interest in a particular taxonomic or geographic group of plants. You will be collaborative, reliable, and able to work effectively as part of a small team that values precision and horticultural excellence.

Benefits

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days of annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans