Horticulture Team Leader (Landscape and Arboriculture)

MorePeople; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious botanical institution in Cambridge is seeking an experienced Horticulture Team Leader to manage the care of its tree collection and landscapes. This role involves leading a skilled team, overseeing safety and development plans, and maintaining high-quality plant records. The ideal candidate should have a degree in horticulture or arboriculture, alongside leadership experience. The position offers a salary of £33,951, exceptional benefits, and a supportive work environment focused on professional development.

Benefits

36 days annual leave including bank holidays

Outstanding pension and benefits package

Long-term career development and ongoing professional training

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in managing teams, projects, and plant collections.
• Sound knowledge of tree safety management.
• Proficient with databases and online systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the Garden's major tree collection and landscapes.
• Oversee tree safety, surveys, and planning.
• Deliver horticultural and landscape development plans.

Skills

Strong knowledge of trees, shrubs, and wider horticulture

Proven leadership experience in a professional horticultural environment

Excellent communication, organisation, and people skills

Confident in the use and maintenance of horticultural machinery

Education

Degree-level qualification in horticulture or arboriculture

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Horticulture Team Leader (Landscape and Arboriculture)

Cambridge University Botanic Garden
£33,951 | Full‑Time | Permanent

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Horticultural / Arboriculture Leader to join one of the world's most respected botanical institutions.

As Team Leader (Garden Landscapes), you will play a pivotal role in caring for and developing the Botanic Garden's historic and scientifically significant tree collection and surrounding landscapes. Reporting to the Head of Horticulture, you will lead a highly skilled and passionate team across trees, shrubs, machinery, and landscaped areas, helping to shape the long‑term future of one of the UK's most important living collections.

This is a rare chance to combine hands‑on horticulture, leadership, and long‑term landscape planning within a truly world‑class environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management of the Garden's major tree collection and surrounding landscapes
• Oversee tree safety, surveys, planning, and succession planting
• Line manage Senior Horticulturists, an Arborist, Technicians, and trainees
• Work closely with the Head of Horticulture on staff development, training needs, and planning
• Deliver five‑year horticultural and landscape development plans
• Manage budgets, projects, and specialist equipment
• Maintain high‑quality plant records and collection audits
• Support public engagement, training programmes, and research access

What We're Looking For

• Degree‑level qualification in horticulture or arboriculture (or equivalent experience)
• Strong knowledge of trees, shrubs, and wider horticulture
• Proven leadership experience in a professional horticultural environment
• Experience managing teams, projects, and plant collections
• Sound knowledge of tree safety management
• Experience managing garden landscapes, including hard landscaping
• Confident in the use and maintenance of a wide range of horticultural and arboriculture machinery
• Proficient with databases, Microsoft Office, and online systems
• Passion for horticulture and tree management
• Excellent communication, organisation, and people skills

What's on Offer

• £33,951 salary
• 36 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Outstanding pension and benefits package
• The chance to join a friendly, expert team in a truly special working environment
• Long‑term career development and ongoing professional training

Interested?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a globally significant botanic landscape at one of the world's leading universities. You'll be joining a close‑knit, supportive team, working every day in the maintenance.

If this sounds like the right fit for you, I'd be keen to have a conversation. For more details, contact Stanley at MorePeople on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)