At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in managing and developing a historic tree collection and landscapes.
- Company: Join the prestigious Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a world-class institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 36 days annual leave, and an outstanding pension package.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly expert team with long-term career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a globally significant botanic landscape while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in horticulture or arboriculture and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 39906 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Horticultural/Arboriculture Leader to join one of the world's most respected botanic institutions. As Team Leader (Garden Landscapes), you will play a pivotal role in caring for and developing the Botanic Garden's historic and scientifically significant tree collection and surrounding landscapes. Reporting to the Head of Horticulture, you will lead a highly skilled and passionate team across trees, shrubs, machinery, and landscaped areas, helping to shape the long‑term future of one of the UK's most important living collections. This is a rare chance to combine hands‑on horticulture, leadership, and long‑term landscape planning within a truly world‑class environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the management of the Garden's major tree collection and surrounding landscapes
- Oversee tree safety, surveys, planning, and succession planting
- Line manage Senior Horticulturists, an Arborist, Technicians, and trainees
- Work closely with the Head of Horticulture on staff development, training needs, and planning
- Deliver five‑year horticultural and landscape development plans
- Manage budgets, projects, and specialist equipment
- Maintain high‑quality plant records and collection audits
- Support public engagement, training programmes, and research access
What We're Looking For
- Degree‑level qualification in horticulture or arboriculture (or equivalent experience)
- Strong knowledge of trees, shrubs, and wider horticulture
- Proven leadership experience in a professional horticultural environment
- Experience managing teams, projects, and plant collections
- Sound knowledge of tree safety management
- Experience managing garden landscapes, including hard landscaping
- Confident in the use and maintenance of a wide range of horticultural and arboriculture machinery
- Proficient with databases, Microsoft Office, and online systems
- Passion for horticulture and tree management
- Excellent communication, organisation, and people skills
What's on Offer
- £33,951 - £39,906 salary
- 36 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Outstanding pension and benefits package
- The chance to join a friendly, expert team in a truly special working environment
- Long‑term career development and ongoing professional training
We look forward to welcoming a dedicated horticulturist to our team to help shape the future of a globally significant botanic landscape.
Horticulture Team Leader in Cambridge employer: Morepeople 01780
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a world-renowned institution dedicated to horticulture and conservation. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the organisation provides extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a generous benefits package that includes 36 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Join a passionate team in a supportive and collaborative environment, where your expertise will contribute to the preservation and enhancement of a significant living collection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Team Leader in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow horticulturists, attend industry events, and connect with people at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for horticulture and tree management shine through. Share your experiences and ideas about landscape planning – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the Botanic Garden’s current projects and challenges. Bring thoughtful questions to the table that show you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulture Team Leader in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Horticulture:When writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm and knowledge about trees, shrubs, and landscapes. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at the Botanic Garden.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Horticulture Team Leader role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed. We appreciate when applicants take the time to connect their skills with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role. We value good communication skills, so make sure your written application reflects that!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morepeople 01780
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of trees, shrubs, and horticulture in general. Be prepared to discuss specific species and their care, as well as any relevant experience you have managing plant collections. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, think of examples from your past where you've successfully managed people or projects. Be ready to share how you’ve developed team members and handled challenges, demonstrating your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the Botanic Garden's mission and its significance. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to long-term landscape planning and development. Showing that you understand the institution's goals will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about tree safety management and the use of horticultural machinery. Think through scenarios where you've had to make decisions regarding these areas. Being able to articulate your thought process will demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
