Horticulture Technician

SRUC; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural university in Scotland is seeking an experienced Horticulture Technician to support the delivery of horticulture and landscape qualifications. The role involves maintaining grounds, preparing teaching materials, and providing hands-on instruction in practical horticulture skills. Candidates should have an HND in horticulture or landscaping and strong practical experience. This position offers generous leave, enhanced pension contributions, and flexible working options.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Enhanced pension contributions

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted RAC Membership

Generous family leave

Flexible working patterns

Hybrid working solutions

Tailored investment in learning and development

Qualifications

• Minimum of an HND in a relevant subject, horticulture or landscaping.
• Strong practical experience in horticulture.
• Attention to detail and good people skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds and prepare teaching areas and materials.
• Deliver practical instruction in plant care and landscaping.
• Supervise students during practical sessions.

Skills

Horticulture

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Experience with horticultural machinery

Education

HND in relevant subject (Horticulture or Landscaping)

Job description

About The Team:

The Horticulture Team is at the heart of cultivating knowledge, skills, and innovation in the dynamic world of plants, landscapes, and green spaces. Based across our campuses in Edinburgh, Elmwood, and Oatridge, and in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, our team brings together experienced horticulturists, garden designers, plant scientists, and educators to deliver a rich and hands-on learning experience.

The Horticulture Team delivers a range of courses from introductory to advanced levels. Our lecturers and support staff bring decades of industry experience, from wholesale nursery management to plant health policy. They are passionate about plants and committed to nurturing the next generation of horticultural professionals.

The Opportunity:

SRUC is seeking a Horticulture Technician to join the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture and Engineering Sciences at our Elmwood Campus. This role will support the provision and delivery of a wide range of horticulture and landscape qualifications, working closely with the education team to ensure students gain hands-on experience and practical skills. The Technician will be responsible for maintaining the grounds and preparing teaching areas, equipment, and materials, as well as delivering practical instruction in areas such as plant care, propagation, and landscaping techniques.

The successful candidate will play a key role in creating a safe and effective learning environment, supervising students during practical sessions and ensuring all tools and machinery are maintained to a high standard. This position requires a strong background in horticulture, excellent organisational skills, and a commitment to supporting student development through practical education as well as familiarity with horticultural machinery. Experience in an educational setting would be advantageous.

Please read the Job Particulars document for full details of the requirements for this role.

Minimum Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a minimum of an HND (SCQF Level 8) in a relevant subject, horticulture or landscaping, along with a strong practical experience. Good people skills, attention to detail and communication skills are also required. The successful candidate must be able to work both independently, and with other team members, to ensure that accurate results are delivered to agreed deadlines.

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

This role does not meet the eligibility for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. For non-UK nationals please check your eligibility prior to applying for the role.

Why work for SRUC?

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions (5% employee and 10% employer)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)
• Tailored investment in and individuals' learning and development

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

Please read the Job Particulars document before applying.

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046