Horticultural Specialist

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

A conservation-focused horticultural organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a passionate Horticulturist Specialist. This role involves maintaining gardens and habitats for butterflies, requiring strong horticultural skills and experience. Responsibilities include delivering horticultural care, managing plant collections, and supporting the butterfly breeding program. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years in horticulture and a passion for biodiversity. Join us to contribute to an impactful conservation initiative, along with competitive salary and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Company events

Discounted or free food

Employee discount

Free parking

On-site parking

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional gardening or horticulture experience.
• Experience with tropical or delicate plants.
• Desirable experience in habitat creation for pollinators.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert horticultural care across the estate.
• Manage and prune fruit trees within controlled environments.
• Propagate plants specifically for butterfly breeding.

Skills

Knowledge of soil science

Plant nutrition

Pruning techniques

Interest in butterflies and moths

Education

RHS Level 2 in Horticulture

Job description

Tropical Butterfly House

Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2026

Contact: Katie Green ([e-mail]) Sector: Horticulture Type: Paid Contract type: Part-time Salary: Competitive depending on experience

The Role

Tropical Butterfly House Limited is seeking a skilled and passionate Horticulturist Specialist to join our team in 2026 working within our award winning gardens and tropical house. This unique position combines high-quality estate horticulture with the ongoing development of our butterfly breeding and conservation programme.

You will play a key role in maintaining the visual excellence of our gardens and tropical environments while proactively creating, managing, and enhancing habitats that support the full life cycle of Lepidoptera. This role is ideal for an experienced gardener with a strong interest in biodiversity, conservation, and specialist plant collections.

Core Responsibilities

Estate & Garden Maintenance

• Deliver expert horticultural care across the estate, with a focus on herbaceous borders to ensure year‑round interest, structure, and visitor appeal.
• Maintain planting schemes that balance ornamental design with ecological value.

Specialist Plant Collections

• Manage and prune fruit trees and oversee a diverse collection of tropical and subtropical plants within controlled environments.
• Monitor soil standards, nutrition, and irrigation to maintain optimal plant health.

Propagation & Plant Development

• Propagate plants from seed and cuttings, with particular emphasis on nectar plants and larval host plants essential to butterfly breeding.
• Support seasonal planting plans aligned with breeding cycles and species requirements.

Plant Health & Pest Management

• Identify pests and diseases promptly and implement effective management strategies.
• Prioritise organic, sustainable, and butterfly‑safe horticultural practices at all times.

Butterfly Breeding Programme Support

• Assist in the development and day‑to‑day support of the Tropical Butterfly House’s butterfly breeding programme.
• Work collaboratively with animal and education teams to ensure plant provision supports conservation, display, and educational outcomes.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of 3–5 years’ experience in a professional gardening, horticulture, or estate management role.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of soil science, plant nutrition, and pruning (particularly fruit trees).
• Proven experience caring for tropical or delicate plant species.

Passion for Lepidoptera

• A demonstrable interest in butterflies and moths, with experience in habitat creation, pollinator‑friendly gardening, or species‑specific planting highly desirable.

Education

• RHS Level 2 in Horticulture or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.

Why Join Tropical Butterfly House Limited?

• Opportunity to contribute to and help shape a specialist butterfly breeding and conservation programme.
• Work within a unique organisation that blends horticultural excellence, conservation, and public engagement.
• Competitive salary dependent on experience and the chance to develop niche expertise in tropical and ecological horticulture.
• Be part of a team that values biodiversity, sustainability, and inspiring visitors through nature.

Job Type: Part-time

Benefits

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On‑site parking

Work Location: In person

Apply For This Job

Email CV & Cover letter to Katie Green - [e-mail]