Vacancies

Full Time (35 hours), based in Edinburgh
Salary: £27, 366, plus civil service pension, generous holiday entitlement and other benefits

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) is a world-leading botanical institute and international visitor attraction located in the centre of Edinburgh. Our work builds on our long history as a scientific botanic garden and centre of education with internationally important botanical collections and a commitment to the study and conservation of plants. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh, the garden is a sanctuary for a wide range of plant species, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Horticulturist to join our Herbaceous and Shrub team. The successful candidate will help us achieve our vision to provide a positive future for plants, people, and the planet by exploring, conserving, and explaining the world of plants. 

Key responsibilities include:

•    Work in key areas of the garden, maintaining the high horticultural standards.
•    Propose and implement ideas to improve plantings and standards of presentation.
•    Support students and volunteers, ensuring their safety and the quality of their work.
•    Complete various tasks throughout the garden, using and maintaining equipment competently. 
•    Deliver a world-class visitor experience while also helping to develop and conserve the living collection.

You should have experience in horticulture, particularly in plant cultivation, good plant identification skills, have organisational and communication skills, be able to work independently and as part of a team and have a passion for plants and a commitment to conservation and sustainability.

RBGE is unable to sponsor applicants without the right to work in the United Kingdom for this role. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure eligibility to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the appointment.

To apply please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk with:
•    your CV
•    a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you’d bring to the post
•    a completed equal opportunities questionnaire: EOQ form

Closing date:            9am Thursday 10 September 2026
Interview date:         Tuesday 22 September 2026
Recruitment Information:    Job description and person specification

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please.

Full Time (35 hours), based in Edinburgh
Salary: £27,366, plus civil service pension, generous holiday entitlement and other benefits

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is home to internationally significant plant collections that support conservation, research and education. As a Horticulturist in our Nursery team, you will help propagate and cultivate a diverse range of plants, contributing to the care and development of the Living Collection while working alongside knowledgeable and passionate colleagues.

In this hands-on role, you will propagate, cultivate and maintain a wide variety of plants, supporting collection development and horticultural projects across the organisation. You will be involved in plant establishment, irrigation, feeding programmes, plant health monitoring, record keeping and biosecurity activities, while helping to ensure the nursery operates efficiently and to a high horticultural standard. You'll also contribute to the maintenance and improvement of nursery facilities and landscape areas, working with a broad range of plants and horticultural equipment. 

We're looking for someone with practical horticultural experience, excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. You'll enjoy working as part of a team while also being confident managing your own workload and taking initiative. Experience in plant maintenance and an understanding of plant health are essential, while experience with plant collections, horticultural qualifications or pesticide certification would be advantageous.

RBGE is unable to sponsor applicants without the right to work in the United Kingdom for this role. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure eligibility to work in the United Kingdom for the duration of the appointment.

To apply please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk with:
•    your CV
•    a covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you’d bring to the post
•    a completed equal opportunities questionnaire: EOQ form

Closing date:             Thursday, 10 September 2026 (midday)
Interview date:         Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Recruitment Information:    Job description and person specification

If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please.