At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in managing a historic tree collection and beautiful 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: Opportunity for long-term career development in a friendly, expert team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global horticulture while developing your leadership skills.
- 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.
Lead Horticulturist: Trees & Landscape Leadership 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 professional development, a supportive team culture, and generous benefits including 36 days of annual leave and a comprehensive pension package, employees can thrive in a collaborative environment while contributing to the preservation of significant living collections. This role not only allows for hands-on horticultural leadership but also fosters long-term career growth within a historic and scientifically important landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Horticulturist: Trees & Landscape Leadership in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the horticulture and arboriculture fields. Attend industry events or join online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects, especially those related to tree management and landscape planning. This will give you an edge during interviews and demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on your leadership experience and how you've managed teams and projects in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It shows initiative and gives you a better chance of standing out. Plus, you'll be part of a team that’s passionate about horticulture and making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Horticulturist: Trees & Landscape Leadership 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 for trees and landscapes, as this will resonate with us at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Highlight Leadership Experience:Since this role involves leading a team, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, as this is crucial for us.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morepeople 01780
✨Know Your Trees and Landscapes
Brush up on your knowledge of trees, shrubs, and landscape management. Be ready to discuss specific species and their care, as well as any innovative practices you've implemented in previous roles. This will show your passion and expertise in horticulture.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. Highlight your experience in staff development and training, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Safety Management
Since tree safety management is a key responsibility, be prepared to discuss your approach to safety surveys and planning. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance with safety standards and how you managed risks effectively.
✨Engage with the Botanic Garden's Mission
Research Cambridge University Botanic Garden and its mission. Be ready to express how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their long-term goals. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
