Curator - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Curator - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Full-Time 38700 - 43000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Botanic Gardens Conservation International

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the team at Dawyck Botanic Garden, caring for a stunning collection of plants.
  • Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leader in plant conservation and education.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity while inspiring visitors in a beautiful setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in botany or horticulture is essential; leadership skills are a plus.
  • Other info: This is a permanent role with opportunities to connect globally and locally.

The predicted salary is between 38700 - 43000 £ per year.

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Client:

Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Location:

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

4e48e618e7bb

Job Views:

11

Posted:

01.08.2025

Expiry Date:

15.09.2025

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Job Description:

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.

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.

Deadline: 4 August 2025

Contract type: Full time, Permanent

Location: Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scotland

Salary: £45,712 to £50,980 (pay award pending) plus benefits

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Curator - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh employer: Botanic Gardens Conservation International

At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion for plants and environmental stewardship. As a Curator at Dawyck Botanic Garden, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to meaningful conservation efforts. Nestled in stunning woodland, our location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and community engagement, making it an inspiring place to work.
Botanic Gardens Conservation International

Contact Detail:

Botanic Gardens Conservation International Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Curator - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to climate-conscious practices and biodiversity will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the botanic garden community, especially those involved with BGCI. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights into the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within a team. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to inspire and support a dedicated team.

✨Tip Number 4

Research current trends in botanic gardens and plant conservation. Being knowledgeable about recent developments can help you engage in meaningful conversations and show your passion for the field during interviews.

We think you need these skills to ace Curator - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Botanical Knowledge
Collection Management
Leadership Skills
Team Collaboration
Climate-Conscious Practices
Biodiversity Conservation
Community Engagement
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Public Speaking
Educational Programming
Project Management
Research Skills
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Curator position at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Understand the key responsibilities, such as championing the care and cultivation of living collections, and think about how your experience aligns with these requirements.

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in botany, horticulture, or related fields. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held, particularly in collaborative environments, and showcase your commitment to climate-conscious practices.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for plants and their role in education and community engagement. Mention specific examples of how you have inspired teams or fostered inclusive experiences in previous roles.

Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

How to prepare for a job interview at Botanic Gardens Conservation International

✨Show Your Passion for Plants

As a Curator, your enthusiasm for botany and plant conservation is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your favourite plants, any relevant projects you've worked on, and how you envision promoting biodiversity at Dawyck Botanic Garden.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

You'll be leading a dedicated team, so highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've inspired and supported teams in the past, and discuss your approach to fostering collaboration and inclusivity.

✨Understand Climate-Conscious Practices

Since the role emphasises climate-conscious practices, brush up on current trends in sustainable gardening and conservation. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these practices at Dawyck and engage with the community on these issues.

✨Prepare for Community Engagement Questions

You'll need to build relationships with local communities and stakeholders. Think about your previous experiences in community engagement and be ready to share strategies for creating welcoming experiences for visitors at the garden.

Curator - Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Botanic Gardens Conservation International
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