At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and manage a diverse estate across Scotland's iconic gardens.
- Company: Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a leader in botanical conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of ambitious projects that enhance visitor experiences and support science.
- Why this job: Shape the future of plants and people while promoting environmental stewardship.
- Qualifications: Experience in estates management and a passion for sustainability required.
The predicted salary is between 74250 - 90750 £ per year.
Join the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the world's leading botanical institutions. Home to four nationally significant gardens, internationally important living collections and ambitious capital projects, RBGE is driven by a vision of a positive future for plants, people and the planet.
In this influential leadership role, you will help ensure our estate is sustainable, resilient and fit for the future. Reporting to the Executive team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across more than 270 acres of estate, 130 buildings and four gardens located across Scotland.
From leading major capital programmes, including the Edinburgh Biomes project and renewable energy initiatives, to developing a long-term Estates Masterplan, you'll be at the forefront of delivering world-class facilities that support science, horticulture, learning and visitor experience.
We're looking for an inspiring and collaborative leader with significant estates, facilities or asset management experience gained in a complex, multi-site environment. You'll bring strong commercial acumen, expertise in managing projects and budgets, a commitment to health, safety and compliance, and a genuine passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
For more information including candidate pack and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date: Midday (GMT) on Friday, 13 November 2026
Interview date: Friday, 27 November 2026
Head of Estates & Sustainability in Edinburgh employer: The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation thrives. As an Infrastructure Development Engineer, you'll not only contribute to our vital mission of sustainability but also enjoy opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive team setting. Located in the beautiful Edinburgh Garden, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values diversity and encourages continuous learning, making it an exceptional place to build your career.
Contact Details:
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estates & Sustainability in Edinburgh
✨Dive into Environmental Networks
Get involved with sustainability-focused organisations and attend their events. Look for local meetups or conferences in environmental management where you can connect with professionals in the field. This can lead to insider info on job openings at companies like The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh that might not be advertised widely.
✨Show Your Passion with Projects
Consider undertaking personal or community projects that highlight your dedication to sustainability. Whether it's a local clean-up or a carbon footprint assessment, document your findings and results. This not only boosts your portfolio but also shows potential employers like The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh that you're proactive and serious about the field.
✨Seek Out Green Job Boards
Don’t just rely on general job boards. Explore specific platforms that focus on sustainability and environmental management roles. Websites like EnvironmentJobs and Sustainable Business can be goldmines for full-time positions at companies like The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Keep an eye out for their aggregation of listings!
✨Let Your Online Presence Shine
Make sure your social media and professional profiles reflect your passion for sustainability. Share articles, engage in discussions, and connect with leaders in the field. Your active presence can make a lasting impression on hiring managers at companies like The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh when they search for candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estates & Sustainability in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sustainability:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sustainability shine through. Share any relevant experiences, like projects, volunteer work, or events you've participated in that align with The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh's values. This position isn't just about meeting qualifications; it's about genuinely caring for the environment and showing us why you're the right fit for Head of Estates & Sustainability.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications and Experience:Make sure to showcase any specific qualifications, such as degrees in environmental science or certifications in sustainability practices in your CV. We want to see how your academic background and practical experiences align with the job you're applying for, so don’t hold back on anything that demonstrates your expertise in environmental management.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:As we're looking for someone to jump into a full-time role, be specific about previous roles or projects that demonstrate your capabilities in sustainability. Use bullet points to make accomplishments clear, and don’t forget to quantify your achievements wherever possible – it’s all about showing us the impact of your work!
Research The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Reflect It In Your Application:We love candidates who take the time to understand what we're about. Mention specific initiatives or projects that The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is known for in your cover letter. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely excited about the chance to contribute to our mission in the role of Head of Estates & Sustainability.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
✨Brush Up on Environmental Legislation
Given that we're diving into sustainability and environmental management, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of current environmental laws and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how these laws apply to real-world scenarios, as you might face some technical questions about compliance and best practices during your chat with The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Sustainability Projects
When you're discussing your background, highlight specific sustainability initiatives you've been involved in. Whether it’s a project at university or work experience, sharing measurable outcomes and your role will demonstrate your hands-on skills, which is super important for this full-time role at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
✨Familiarity with Tools and Software
Make sure you're familiar with any relevant tools or software commonly used in environmental management, like GIS for mapping or data analysis tools. Bring this up in your interview as it shows you’re not only passionate but also prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
✨Connect Your Values with the Company's Mission
Full-time roles are all about team fit, so it’s important to align your personal values with those of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Be ready to discuss why you're passionate about sustainability and how you can contribute to their mission, as this will really resonate with the interviewers and show that you’re genuinely invested in their goals.
