At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate at Dawyck Botanic Garden, shaping its future and managing its Living Collection.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leader in horticultural excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and the chance to inspire thousands of visitors.
- Other info: Work in a stunning environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a nationally significant garden and share your passion for plants.
- Qualifications: Experienced in horticulture with strong leadership and project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 49204 - 54875 £ per year.
Dawyck Botanic Garden – renowned for its magnificent arboretum, seasonal beauty and breathtaking woodland walks – welcomes around 40,000 visitors each year. We're looking for an inspiring Curator to lead this exceptional Garden into its next chapter, shaping its future with creativity, expertise and purpose.
As Curator, you will provide innovative leadership for Dawyck, guiding the planning, care and development of its nationally significant Living Collection. You'll be an experienced horticultural leader with deep knowledge of temperate trees, shrubs and herbaceous species, alongside strong project management, communication and team development skills.
Confident working with scientific collections, you'll ensure high standards across operations, safety and plant records, while also representing RBGE proudly to partners, stakeholders and the wider community.
Interview date: 26 March at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Deadline: 11 March
Location: Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £49,204 – £54,875
Curator – Dawyck Botanic Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh employer: Botanic Gardens Conservation International
At Dawyck Botanic Garden, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Curator, you will not only lead a nationally significant Living Collection but also benefit from professional development opportunities in a stunning natural environment, surrounded by passionate colleagues dedicated to conservation and education. Join us in shaping the future of this exceptional garden while enjoying a fulfilling career in the heart of the Scottish Borders.
Contact Details:
Botanic Gardens Conservation International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator – Dawyck Botanic Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Botanic Gardens Conservation International; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Curator – Dawyck Botanic Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Botanic Gardens Conservation International.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Curator – Dawyck Botanic Garden, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Botanic Gardens Conservation International is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Botanic Gardens Conservation International a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Botanic Gardens Conservation International
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Botanic Gardens Conservation International might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
