At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team in managing a historic botanic garden's tree collection and landscapes.
- Company: Join the prestigious Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a world-class institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of annual leave, excellent pension, and ongoing professional training.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team within a beautiful and historic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a globally significant landscape while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in horticulture or arboriculture and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 33915 - 39901 £ 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
- 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
- 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
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a globally significant botanic landscape at one of the world’s leading universities. You’ll be joining a close‑knit, supportive team, working every day in the maintenance and development of a truly beautiful and historic garden. If you are a qualified horticulturist who’s looking to work at one of the most prestigious botanic gardens in the country, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Horticulture Team Leader in Cambridge employer: MorePeople
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a world-class environment dedicated to horticulture and conservation. With a strong focus on employee development, generous annual leave, and a supportive team culture, you will thrive while contributing to the care of a historic and scientifically significant collection. Join us to shape the future of one of the UK's most important living collections and enjoy a fulfilling career in a beautiful setting.
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 your connections in the horticulture field, attend industry events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Familiarise yourself with their projects and initiatives, especially those related to tree management and landscape planning. We want you to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed teams or projects. We want you to be ready to showcase how you can lead a passionate team at the Botanic Garden and contribute 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’re always looking for passionate individuals who are eager to make a difference in the world of horticulture. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulture Team Leader in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for trees and landscapes. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at the Botanic Garden.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Horticulture Team Leader. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've managed. We’re looking for someone who can lead a team effectively, so showcase those skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨Know Your Plants
Brush up on your knowledge of trees, shrubs, and horticulture before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific species and their care, as well as any relevant experiences you've had managing plant collections.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a horticultural setting. Highlight your experience with training staff and managing projects, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Understand the Botanic Garden's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Cambridge University Botanic Garden’s mission and current projects. Being able to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs will show your genuine interest in the role and institution.
✨Be Ready 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 plant health or team management, and be prepared to share those insights.
