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- Tasks: Lead the Dawyck Botanic Garden, shaping its future with creativity and expertise.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leader in plant science and conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a Civil Service pension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on horticulture and conservation while inspiring others.
- Qualifications: Experienced horticultural leader with strong project management and communication skills.
- Other info: Foster a collaborative culture and empower staff, volunteers, and students.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 55000 £ per year.
Full-time (35 hours), permanent, based at Dawyck Botanic Garden. Salary £49,204 to £54,875 (pay award pending) plus generous holiday entitlement, Civil Service pension and other benefits.
Join us at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), a world leading centre for plant science, horticulture and conservation. Dawyck Botanic Garden—renowned for its magnificent arboretum, seasonal beauty and breathtaking woodland walks - welcomes around 40,000 visitors each year. We’re looking for an inspiring Curator to lead this exceptional Garden into its next chapter, shaping its future with creativity, expertise and purpose.
Responsibilities
- As Curator, you will provide innovative guidance for Dawyck, overseeing the planning, care and development of its nationally significant Living Collection.
- You’ll champion exemplary horticulture, plant conservation and sustainable landscape management while working collaboratively across RBGE to support research, education and public engagement.
- From biosecurity and climate resilient planting to delivering exceptional visitor experiences, you’ll ensure the Garden continues to thrive in a changing world.
Qualifications / Experience
- You’ll be an experienced horticultural leader with deep knowledge of temperate trees, shrubs and herbaceous species, alongside strong project management, communication and team development skills.
- Confident working with scientific collections, you’ll ensure high standards across operations, safety and plant records, while also representing RBGE proudly to partners, stakeholders and the wider community.
- Your leadership will empower staff, volunteers and students, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and curious culture.
Recruitment information
To apply, please email recruitment@rbge.org.uk with the following:
- Your CV
- A covering letter outlining the skills, knowledge and experience you would bring to the post
Please also electronically complete and submit an equal opportunities questionnaire using the following link: EOQ form. This form should not be included with your email application.
Dates
- Closing date: Midday (BST) on Wednesday, 11 March 2026
- Interview date: 26 March 2026 at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Curator - Dawyck Botanic Garden employer: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Contact Detail:
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Curator - Dawyck Botanic Garden
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the horticulture and botanic garden community. Attend events, join online forums, or even pop into local gardens. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that Curator role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for plant conservation and sustainable practices shine through. We want them to see how much we care about the future of Dawyck Botanic Garden.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and its initiatives. We should be ready to discuss how our experience aligns with their goals and how we can contribute to the Garden's next chapter.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at Dawyck Botanic Garden. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Curator - Dawyck Botanic Garden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your unique skills and experiences that align with the Curator role. We want to see your passion for horticulture and how you can contribute to the future of Dawyck Botanic Garden.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience in horticulture, project management, and team leadership. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and how you’ve made an impact in previous roles.
Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, make sure to mention your deep knowledge of temperate trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species. We want to know how you can apply this knowledge to enhance our Living Collection and support sustainable practices at Dawyck.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, applying through our website is the best way to ensure your application gets noticed! Follow the instructions carefully and don’t forget to submit the equal opportunities questionnaire separately. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
✨Know Your Plants
As a Curator, you'll need to showcase your deep knowledge of temperate trees, shrubs, and herbaceous species. Brush up on the specifics of the Living Collection at Dawyck Botanic Garden and be ready to discuss how you would manage and develop it.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong project management and team development skills. Prepare examples of how you've empowered staff and fostered a collaborative culture in previous roles. Be ready to discuss your approach to leading a diverse team.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
With a focus on sustainable landscape management, think about how you can contribute to biosecurity and climate-resilient planting. Have specific ideas or projects in mind that demonstrate your commitment to these principles.
✨Engage with the Community
The role involves public engagement, so consider how you would enhance visitor experiences at the garden. Prepare to share your thoughts on educational initiatives or community outreach programmes that could benefit Dawyck Botanic Garden.