Horticultural student

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a 12 month work and learn position in our world-renowned botanical gardens in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. The gardens hold some of the country’s most rare hardy trees and shrubs and boast a collection of over 40,000 plants, including 14 national plant collections. On a site of 180 acres with many different biomes, from a winter garden and pinetum to ponds, a Himalayan valley and woodlands of flowering trees and shrubs. The perfect place to learn to be a fully rounded gardener.

The Role: You would work as part of a team of garden staff who help to maintain this large botanic and ornamental gardens. Moving between the three teams, on a rota and learning from each of the horticulturally diverse areas. You will also take part in a range of workshops on a wide variety of horticultural skills and take part in weekly plant identification sessions to boost your plant knowledge. As a trainee, you will visit other collections and gardens and be involved in the setup of floral displays and exhibit gardens at major shows.

What you’ll do:

• Approach all learning opportunities with a positive attitude and gain as much skill in given tasks as possible.
• Take as much information as possible from the training sessions and workshops that are scheduled and from your daily work with experienced colleagues.
• You are expected to work in all weathers.

What we’re looking for:

• Someone with a positive attitude and a desire to progress in the field of horticulture.
• A passion for plants.
• Physically fit for this demanding role.
• Some experience in gardening or similar (qualifications not essential).
• At least some basic plant knowledge.
• Ability to work with others, with a team.

Why join us?

• A very rare opportunity to work and learn.
• Many trainees have gone on to positions in gardens around the country and abroad.
• The chance to work in one of the world’s largest collections of hardy trees and shrubs.
• Highly improve your plant knowledge and understanding of the botanical sciences.
• Learn how the professional flower shows work and how you can play your part.
• Integrate with a highly skilled team of horticulturalists and learn best practice techniques.

Our benefits package includes details of the holiday entitlement, pension scheme, flexi-time scheme, family friendly policies and interest free travel loans and discounts. We offer a flexible, motivating and inclusive workplace. We have created an environment that you can look forward to being a part of, where you are empowered to be your best and a workplace built on teamwork where people can grow and develop in their roles.

If you think you have what it takes to make a real difference in Hampshire, get in touch!

Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies. We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.