Job Description

Arborist

============



This is a unique opportunity to join the world-renowned Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and contribute directly to the care, conservation and development of one of the most important living tree collections in the world. As part of the Tree Collections and Arboricultural team within the Department of Living Collections, you will play a hands-on role in maintaining approximately 11,000 trees across Kew's historic landscapes and arboretum. Working alongside experienced arborists and supporting scientific research and conservation projects, this role combines practical arboriculture with the chance to help set national standards for tree care within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.



Hours of work
Full time
Number of vacancies
1
Contract Type
Permanent
Contract start date
Provisionally 1st March 2026
Salary
29,692 per annum
Directorate
Gardens
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond
Closing Date
01/02/2026
Documents
16396 Employee benefits?RBG Kew 2024 v6[90].pdf
(PDF, 279.26kb)
Job Profile .pdf
(PDF, 201.85kb)
print this job
Apply for this role
Send to a Friend

More details

----------------



We are looking for a motivated and practical individual with experience in arboricultural operations who is keen to develop their skills within a specialist, high-profile environment. The ideal candidate will have relevant arboricultural qualifications or training and experience of tree inspection, pruning and maintenance in line with industry standards such as BS 3998 and BS 5837. A good working knowledge of tree health, risk management and the safe use and maintenance of arboricultural equipment and machinery is essential.



You will be a reliable team player with the ability to follow procedures, maintain high standards of work and contribute positively to a busy operational team. The role requires good communication skills, a strong awareness of health and safety, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions. An interest in tree conservation, biodiversity and supporting scientific research is highly desirable, as is a willingness to learn and adapt in support of Kew's Living Collections Strategy and Manifesto for Change.



Interviews are provisionally scheduled for 12 February 2026





The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) is a leading plant science institute, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and major visitor attraction. Our mission is to understand and protect plants and fungi for the well-being of people and the future of all life on Earth.



We are working to end the unprecedented extinction crisis and to help create a world where nature is protected, valued by all and managed sustainably. We will achieve these goals by drawing on our leading scientific research, unrivalled collections of plants and fungi, global network of partners, inspirational gardens at Kew and Wakehurst, and our 260 years of history.



Join us on our journey as protectors of the world's plants and fungi.



The salary for this position is 29,692 per annum [Band B]



Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.



If you are interested in this position, please submit your application through the online portal, by clicking "Apply for this job".



We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.



No agencies please.