At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage diverse groups in horticulture careers and support outreach programmes.
- Company: Join the Royal Horticultural Society, a thriving charity passionate about gardening.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on inclusion and safeguarding.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through the power of gardening.
- Qualifications: Passion for horticulture and experience in policy or research.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Overview of the Role: The Horticultural Careers and Skills Officer based at either RHS Garden Wisley will be joining the RHS New Shoots team at an exciting time as we build on strong foundations to expand our reach to more under-represented groups in providing high-quality horticultural careers guidance, exploration and experience. Currently live at RHS Gardens Bridgewater, Harlow Carr, Rosemoor and Wisley, New Shoots is a friendly, passionate and agile team delivering a range of engagement programmes at and in the vicinity of each garden to help close the skills gap in horticulture.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and agile new team member with a good understanding of policy and insight research, a passion for horticulture, and a desire to help engage diverse groups and individuals with careers in Horticulture. The role of Horticultural Careers and Skills Officer will support our Horticultural Engagement Manager to keep the New Shoots and wider RHS Professional Programmes teams at the leading edge of the policy and horticultural sector skills landscape and how it maps onto, and evolves, our horticultural careers outreach.
Ideally, candidates will have seen or experienced the transformational impact gaining a horticulture qualification can have on future life opportunities, access to new career opportunities and an understanding of our role as gardeners within the wider natural environment. This role will be five days per week, with the opportunity to work from home up to three days per week. It is a fixed contract for 18 months and has the option to be based from RHS Garden Wisley (Surrey) with some travel between RHS and partner gardens.
To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening - and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet. And we couldn't do this without our people. We're proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.
Safeguarding and Inclusion: The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Horticultural Careers & Skills Officer employer: Royal Horticultural Society
The Royal Horticultural Society offers a vibrant and supportive work environment at RHS Garden Rosemoor, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of horticulture while contributing to the preservation of historic collections. With opportunities for professional growth through mentoring apprentices and engaging with visitors, you'll find a fulfilling role that combines passion for plants with community engagement. Join us in a location renowned for its stunning gardens and collaborative culture, making it an exceptional place to cultivate your career.
Contact Details:
Royal Horticultural Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticultural Careers & Skills Officer
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Hit up local horticulture fairs, plant shows, and farmer’s markets. These gatherings are a goldmine for networking and usually attract employers looking for passionate candidates. Chat with the vendors and fellow enthusiasts; you never know who might know about a full-time opening at a place like Royal Horticultural Society.
✨Join Gardening Clubs and Online Communities
Become part of local gardening clubs or online forums where like-minded folks share tips and job leads. These communities can often clue you in on upcoming vacancies. Remember, people in these groups often work in the industry and can help us get our foot in the door at places like Royal Horticultural Society.
✨Show Off Your Green Thumb
Consider creating a public portfolio showcasing your gardening projects, designs, or any unique plants you've cultivated. A well-documented journey through your horticulture experiences can make you stand out when chasing full-time roles. It’s basically your way of shouting, 'Look at what I can do!' to potential employers.
✨Apply Early and Often!
The horticulture field can be competitive, especially for full-time roles. Keep an eye on seasonal hiring trends and don’t hesitate to apply as soon as positions open up. Check out our website regularly for openings at Royal Horticultural Society; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticultural Careers & Skills Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Green Thumb:In horticulture, it's all about showcasing your hands-on experience. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant gardening, landscaping, or plant care roles you've held. Also, don’t forget to mention any specific skills like plant identification or pest management that make you a great fit for the position at Royal Horticultural Society.
Include Certifications and Training:If you've got any horticulture-related certifications, such as in organic gardening or landscape design, be sure to include them. This will set you apart from other applicants and show that you’re committed to expanding your knowledge in the field, which is crucial for a full-time role like Horticultural Careers & Skills Officer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what Royal Horticultural Society is looking for. Share specific examples of projects you've worked on or challenges you've overcome in previous horticultural roles to demonstrate your suitability for the full-time position.
Be Ready to Talk Numbers:When applying for a full-time role in horticulture, it's helpful to quantify your achievements. Did you increase crop yields or reduce waste in a previous job? Highlight these metrics in your CV to give hiring managers at Royal Horticultural Society a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Horticultural Society
✨Get to Know Your Plants
Brush up on your plant knowledge! Be prepared to discuss specific species, their growth requirements, and potential pests. Remember, the role involves practical horticultural skills – so don’t be shy about sharing your hands-on experience with various plants and gardening techniques.
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
If you've worked on garden designs, landscaping projects, or community gardens, bring along a portfolio showcasing your work. Visuals speak a thousand words, and this will help us see your creativity and practical skills in action. Plus, don’t forget to have a few stories about challenges you faced and how you overcame them!
✨Be Ready for a Plant Quiz
Prepare for some technical questions related to horticulture! We may ask you about soil types, plant propagation methods, or pest management strategies. This helps us assess your depth of knowledge and problem-solving skills – so don’t skip the revision!
✨Passion for Sustainability
Horticulture often revolves around sustainability practices, so be ready to discuss any experience you have with eco-friendly gardening methods or sustainable designs. This role at Royal Horticultural Society might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
