At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage diverse groups in horticulture and support their career journeys.
- Company: Join the RHS, a leading charity dedicated to gardening and horticulture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a friendly team with exciting projects and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in horticulture while inspiring future generations.
- Qualifications: Passion for horticulture and experience in engaging diverse communities.
The predicted salary is between 33290 - 33290 £ per year.
Overview of the Role: The Horticultural Engagement Officer at RHS Garden Rosemoor 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, and due to expand to Hyde Hall, New Shoots is a friendly, passionate and agile team delivering a range of engagement programmes at and in the vicinity of each garden.
We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and agile new team member with a good knowledge of horticulture, and a desire to engage diverse groups and individuals with the aim of supporting their journey to a career in Horticulture. The role of Horticultural Engagement Officer will also, with support from our Horticultural Engagement Manager, curate and maintain our exciting new learning space, the Greener Skills Garden at RHS Garden Rosemoor once the project is delivered in early 2027.
This role will be five days per week, with the opportunity to work flexibly from home up to two days per week (subject to on‑site engagement activity delivery) and one Saturday per month (with suitable Time off in Lieu).
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.
The activities of the RHS are focused on delivering a real benefit to all those involved and interested in horticulture and gardening in the UK. The RHS owns four gardens across the UK: Wisley in Surrey, Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire, Hyde Hall in Essex and Rosemoor in Devon. In 2012/13 we welcomed more than 1.76 million visitors. We also work in partnership with more than 195 Partner Gardens giving our members free access at various times of the year.
Through our gardens, we help gardeners across the UK and overseas by providing access to diverse plant collections, examples of innovative and attractive planting design and good horticultural practices. They all hold regular talks, demonstrations and walks. The RHS aims to share practical knowledge and inspire people of all ages and abilities with an interest in plants and gardening. We offer a range of qualifications from the Level 1 Certificate through to the prestigious Master of Horticulture. For gardeners of the future, we run the Campaign for School Gardening to encourage as many children as possible to get growing. There are more than 18,000 schools involved with the campaign. We also administer a number of bursary funds and through these we support plant research, expeditions and conference attendances around the world.
Salary - £33,290 Closing date - 30th August 2026
Horticultural Engagement Officer employer: University Of Bristol Botanic Garden
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As the Learning & Public Engagement Lead, you will have the opportunity to shape educational programmes that inspire diverse communities while benefiting from professional development opportunities and a supportive environment dedicated to your growth. Located in a stunning setting, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact but also to engage with passionate individuals who share a commitment to environmental education and community engagement.
Contact Details:
University Of Bristol Botanic Garden Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Horticultural Engagement 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 University Of Bristol Botanic Garden.
✨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 University Of Bristol Botanic Garden.
✨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 University Of Bristol Botanic Garden; staying ahead of the game can give us the edge we need.
We think you need these skills to ace Horticultural Engagement 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 University Of Bristol Botanic Garden.
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 Engagement Officer.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your passion for plants but also how your experience aligns with what University Of Bristol Botanic Garden 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 University Of Bristol Botanic Garden a clear picture of your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at University Of Bristol Botanic Garden
✨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 University Of Bristol Botanic Garden might have a focus on environmental impact, so showing your commitment could set you apart from other candidates.
