Curator, Dawyck Botanic Garden in Peebles

Curator, Dawyck Botanic Garden in Peebles

Peebles Full-Time 45712 - 50980 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a team at Dawyck Botanic Garden, focusing on plant care and community engagement.
  • Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leader in plant conservation and education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, Civil Service pension, and more perks.
  • Other info: Informal discussions available; apply by 4 August 2025 for a chance to interview.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while working in a stunning natural environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in botanic gardens, strong leadership skills, and relevant horticultural qualifications required.

The predicted salary is between 45712 - 50980 £ per year.

Organisation: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Salary: £45,712 to £50,980 (pay award pending) plus generous holiday entitlement, Civil Service Pension and other benefits

Location: Peebles

Full-time (35 hours), permanent, based at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Salary: £45,712 to £50,980 (pay award pending) plus generous holiday entitlement, Civil Service pension and other benefits

At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), we’re passionate about plants and their power to inspire, educate, and connect people. We’re looking for a Curator to lead the team at Dawyck Botanic Garden—one of the world’s finest arboreta, nestled in 65 acres of breathtaking woodland and burnside walks.

This is a unique opportunity to combine your horticultural expertise with leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to biodiversity and community engagement.

As Curator, you will play a central role in championing the care and cultivation of Dawyck’s living collection, using climate-conscious and biodiversity-friendly practices. You’ll lead and inspire a small, dedicated team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Working closely with our science, learning, and visitor teams, you’ll help create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all who visit. You’ll also represent Dawyck both locally and internationally, building strong relationships with communities and stakeholders. Importantly, you’ll contribute to shaping and delivering RBGE’s strategic goals, ensuring Dawyck continues to thrive as a place of beauty, learning, and connection.

We’re looking for someone with experience working with scientific plant collections in a botanic garden, strong leadership and communication skills, and a solid understanding of modern horticultural practices and plant conservation. You’ll bring proven project management abilities, a passion for engaging diverse audiences, and hold relevant horticultural qualifications along with a valid UK driver’s licence. Experience in budgeting, procurement, teaching, or fundraising would be an added bonus.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Gillian Williamson at gwilliamson@rbge.org.uk

To apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: Midday (BST) on Monday 4 August 2025
Interview date: 14 August 2025 at Dawyck Botanic Garden

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.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Curator, Dawyck Botanic Garden in Peebles employer: ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions

At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion for plants and commitment to biodiversity. Located in the stunning surroundings of Dawyck Botanic Garden, our work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, offering generous benefits including a Civil Service pension and ample holiday entitlement. We are dedicated to employee growth, providing opportunities to lead impactful projects while engaging with diverse communities both locally and internationally.

ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions

Contact Details:

ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Curator, Dawyck Botanic Garden in Peebles

Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops

Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.

Get Involved in Agricultural Events

Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!

Volunteer for Relevant Experience

Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!

Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites

Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!

We think you need these skills to ace Curator, Dawyck Botanic Garden in Peebles

Horticultural Expertise
Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Biodiversity Knowledge
Project Management
Community Engagement
Plant Conservation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.

Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.

Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.

Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions

Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies

Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.

Showcase Your Practical Experience

Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.

Understand the Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.

Practice Common Industry Scenarios

Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with ASVA: Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.