Job Description

Introduction to Horticulture

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This role is offered as part of a positive action programme designed to open doors for individuals who are currently underrepresented in the sector. In Horticulture, people who identify as Asian, Black, Mixed Heritage, or from Other ethnic backgrounds remain significantly under-represented. Within our Gardens Directorate, we also see too few colleagues from lower socio-economic backgrounds.



Our Introduction to Horticulture course is now an entry-level pathway for people from these communities to access this field of work. This programme is about learning skills and discovering the extraordinary potential of a career rooted in plants, landscapes, and the natural world.



Hours of work
Full time
Number of vacancies
5
Contract Type
Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date
Provisional 30 September 2025
Contract end date
27 March 2026
Salary
24,535 per annum (pro rata) [Student Grade]
Directorate
Gardens
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond
Closing Date
27/07/2025
Documents
16396 Employee benefits-RBG Kew 2024 v6[90].pdf
(PDF, 279.26kb)
Job Profile.pdf
(PDF, 143.58kb)
Definitions Guidance.pdf
(PDF, 34.67kb)
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More details

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This role is overseen by the School of Horticulture, students undertake the 6 month Introduction to Horticulture at Kew during which time they are expected to complete academic training at level 1 via day release course while gaining practical horticultural work experience at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew on a rotation through the three main garden departments - Gardens, Arboretum and Glass



Candidates should not have any prior professional horticultural experience or horticultural qualifications and must be able to undertake physical work in a range of different environments (including high temperatures and high humidity e.g. work placements under glass), as well as being able to work outside in all seasons.



Must identify as Asian, Black, Mixed Heritage or Other background, and / or come from a lower socio-economic background, i.e. the occupation of the main household earner when you were aged 14 categorises you as coming from a lower socio-economic background (according to the Social Mobility Commission guidance), or whilst you were at school you were eligible or in receipt of free school meals.

For more information about socio-economic background please refer to the Definitions Guidance document in the downloads section.

A lower socio-economic background means the occupation of the main household earner when you were aged 14 categorises you as coming from a lower socio-economic background (according to the Social Mobility Commission)

Interview planned for the 8th August 2025.





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 24,535 per annum (pro rata) [Student Grade]



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.