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 36 days of annual leave, excellent pension, and ongoing professional training.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team within a stunning and historic garden environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a globally significant botanic 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 employer: MorePeople
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 focus on employee development, a supportive team culture, and generous benefits including 36 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a beautiful and historic working environment. Join us to lead a passionate team and shape the future of one of the UK's most significant living collections.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticulture Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the horticulture field, attend industry events, and join relevant online groups. 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. This will show your genuine interest and help you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience managing teams and projects. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led others in a horticultural setting, as this is key for the Team Leader role.
✨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 are proactive about their job search and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticulture Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm for trees, shrubs, and all things green. Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your dedication to the field.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Horticulture Team Leader. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve managed teams and projects in a horticultural setting.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your skills and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨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 recent trends in horticulture. This will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or managed projects. Be ready to discuss how you handled challenges and supported your team’s development, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions about tree safety management and landscape planning. Consider scenarios where you had to make decisions regarding plant collections or machinery use, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Don’t forget that interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Botanic Garden’s future plans, team dynamics, and public engagement initiatives. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the institution.
