Horticultural Specialist

BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums); South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation-focused organization in South Yorkshire is seeking a skilled Horticulturist Specialist to maintain gardens and support a butterfly breeding programme. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in gardening and a passion for biodiversity. This role involves maintaining plant health, managing planting schemes, and ensuring habitats support butterflies. Join us to contribute to unique conservation efforts while gaining experience in tropical horticulture.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Opportunity to work in biodiversity and conservation

Unique learning environment with expert horticulture

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in professional gardening or horticulture.
• Strong knowledge of plant nutrition and pruning techniques.
• Demonstrable interest in butterflies and pollinator-friendly gardening.

Responsibilities

• Deliver expert horticultural care across the estate.
• Maintain planting schemes balancing design with ecological value.
• Manage and prune fruit trees in controlled environments.
• Propagate plants essential to butterfly breeding.
• Support conservation and educational outcomes.

Skills

Expert horticultural care

Knowledge of soil science

Experience with tropical plants

Passion for biodiversity

Education

RHS Level 2 in Horticulture

Job description

Tropical Butterfly House

South Yorkshire Closing date for applications is: 28th Feb 2026

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.