Qualified Horticulturist

Chappell Enterprises; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commercial landscape construction firm in London is seeking a Qualified Horticulturist to manage soft landscaping projects. You will liaise with clients and architects, provide horticultural advice, and oversee planting teams. Ideal candidates will possess strong plant knowledge, a relevant qualification, and a valid UK driving licence. Competitive salary and opportunities for growth in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Ongoing training and professional development

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Recognised horticultural qualification required.
• Full UK driving licence essential.
• Experience in supervising planting advocated.

Responsibilities

• Advise on planting schemes and supervise installations.
• Attend meetings with clients and architects.
• Provide technical input and horticultural advice.

Skills

Strong plant knowledge

Professional communication skills

Experience delivering planting on projects

Education

RHS Level 3 or equivalent horticultural qualification

Tools

Irrigation systems

Soil assessment techniques

Job description

Create Job AlertLanguageEnglishEspañolFrancais中文Qualified Horticulturist#25-00719£35,000-£45,000 per yearDalston, LondonAll On-sitePermanentShare onJob Description

Position : Qualified Horticulturist

Location : Hybrid – Onsite and Company HQ (Dalton)

Salary : £35,000pa - £45,000pa DOE

Contract Type : Full-time, Permanent

Industry : Landscape Construction and Maintenance

Please note - You need to have a valid UK Driving Licence to be considered for this position

About Our Client

We are a leading name in commercial landscape construction and maintenance, delivering high-quality outdoor environments across public realm projects, commercial developments, residential schemes, and private estates. Our work combines technical excellence with horticultural creativity, and we're proud of our reputation for professionalism, quality, and collaboration.

As our business grows, we are seeking a Qualified Horticulturist to join our team—someone with strong plant knowledge, an eye for detail, and the confidence to work alongside landscape architects, site teams, and commercial staff. The Role

As a Qualified Horticulturist , you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of soft landscaping across a variety of projects. This is a hands‑on and client‑facing role that bridges technical horticulture with commercial awareness.

You will be responsible for advising on planting schemes, supervising soft landscape installations, liaising with architects and suppliers, and ensuring the highest quality of finish on site.

Key Responsibilities

Planting & Soft Landscaping

• Provide expert guidance on planting methods, plant selection, soil preparation, and seasonal maintenance.
• Ensure planting is delivered to specification and meets aesthetic and ecological goals.
• Supervise planting teams to ensure best horticultural practices are followed on site.
• Assess plant quality upon delivery and flag any issues promptly.

Technical Input & Site Support

• Interpret and implement planting plans, landscape architect drawings, and specifications.
• Offer technical input and horticultural advice to internal teams, including Contracts Managers and Site Supervisors.
• Assist with soil assessments, rootball sizing, irrigation planning, and plant establishment techniques.
• Troubleshoot plant health issues and advise on remedial actions.

Client and Architect Liaison

• Attend site meetings and walk‑throughs with clients, landscape architects, and consultants.
• Provide knowledgeable input on plant suitability, availability, and substitutions.
• Represent the company professionally in client‑facing settings and provide horticultural reassurance.

Procurement & Commercial Awareness

• Work with the procurement team to source plants and shrubs, considering quality, availability, and budget.
• Build strong relationships with nurseries and suppliers.
• Understand commercial aspects of planting packages—balancing quality with cost and programme.
• Monitor plant warranties, replacements, and aftercare agreements.

Aftercare and Maintenance Input

• Support the transition from installation to aftercare.
• Advise on maintenance schedules and seasonal work.
• Provide handover documents and planting guides to clients and maintenance teams.

Key Requirements : Essential :

• Recognised horticultural qualification (e.g., RHS Level 3, Diploma in Horticulture, Degree in Horticulture or Landscape Management).
• Strong plant knowledge—including Latin names, seasonal behaviour, and care requirements.
• Experience delivering or supervising planting on landscape construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret planting plans and specifications.
• Professional communication skills and confident liaising with clients, architects, and contractors.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable :

• Experience working with or within a landscape contractor.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of soft landscape budgets.
• Knowledge of BS 4428 : 1989 (Code of Practice for General Landscape Operations).
• Familiarity with irrigation, soil science, or tree planting standards.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with opportunities for growth and progression.
• The chance to work on exciting and varied commercial landscape projects.
• A supportive and knowledgeable team environment.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Access to high‑quality nurseries, suppliers, and specialist resources.

Chappell Enterprises UK is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and are a Disability Confident Employer, offering interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role.

INDGM