Horticulturalist (Temporary)

**Posted**:05/05/2023 13:42**Start Date**:Not Available**Salary**:£25391 per annum (£25642 after probation)**Location**:Horniman Museum and Gardens, Forest Hill**Level**:Experienced (Non Manager)**Deadline**:18/05/2023 10:00**Hours**:35.00 Monday to Friday**Benefits**:See "Working for us" on the Home menu**Job Type**:Full time**Job title and reference: Horticulturalist, temporary (ref: CCE12.23)**

**Salary: £25391 per annum (rising to £25642 after probation)**

**Hours of work: 35 hours per week (Mon-Fri 7.30am-4pm)**

**Contract: 3 months fixed term**

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The Horniman Museum and Gardens in south east London has been open since Victorian times, when the tea trader and philanthropist, Frederick John Horniman first opened his house and extraordinary collection of objects to the local community. Since then, our collection has grown significantly and includes internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as an acclaimed aquarium and natural history gallery - all surrounded by 16 acres of beautiful Gardens offering breathtaking views across London.

We are looking for a Horticulturalist to work with the Head of Horticulture and a small dedicated team of gardeners to create innovative new displays and planting schemes which are linked to the collections and exhibitions inside the museum. You will also work as required on the routine maintenance of our Gardens, including work on decorative and seasonal bedding, plant propagation and Nursery work.

You will have significant experience of horticulture in a public park or gardens, and probably a RHS Level 3 qualification. You’ll have an excellent knowledge of plants and horticultural techniques, and a real flair for the imaginative presentation of plants. As the Horniman is a busy visitor attraction you’ll also have experience of working with the public, and be able to present a warm and friendly welcome to the Gardens.

**How to Apply**

**P**lease provide an overview of no more than 2 pages describing your experience relevant to the role as outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification.**

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Job title **Horticulturist (temporary)

**Section **Gardens

**Reports to **Head of Horticulture

**Responsible for **No responsibility for staff, some supervision of volunteers and apprentices

**Hours of work **35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm

**Main purpose of the job**

To provide a high standard of horticulture within the Gardens and to ensure a safe environment for colleagues and visitors.

**Section description**

The Gardens team maintain the Gardens and Nature Trail to high horticultural standards and actively develop and evolve the Gardens by improving existing displays and installing bespoke ‘pop up gardens that integrate the museum’s collections/exhibitions with the Gardens living collection.

The Horniman Nursery is used to propagate plants for seasonal bedding displays and to support operations throughout the garden. The team liaises and provides support to other departments to assist in income generation events, site maintenance and learning activities. The team ensures the gardens are a safe environment for visitors, assists with any enquiries and help enforce the garden bylaws.

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**Main responsibilities**

**Horticulture (80%)**
- Working with the Head of Horticulture to create innovative new displays and planting schemes
- Work with colleagues in other teams, e.g. Learning, on the educational content of the displays
- Routine maintenance of the Gardens as and when required, responding to day-to-day needs as directed by the Head of Horticulture. This includes work on decorative and seasonal bedding, plant propagation and Nursery work
- Work with apprentices and volunteers to improve their horticultural knowledge and experience
- Drive gardens utility vehicles (tractor, gator) as required (appropriate training will be provided)
- Work with other members of the team to open the Gardens and Nature Trail in the morning

**Customer Care (20%)**
- Respond to any queries from members of the public in a positive and friendly way
- Talk to small groups of visitors about the horticultural work in the gardens
- Ensure the safety of all visitors to the gardens and responding to incidents as they occur, referring as necessary to a manager or seeking appropriate assistance
- Coordinate incident responses in the Gardens as required, escalating when appropriate and to complete basic written reports following such incidents
- Help to enforce the bylaws

**General responsibilities**
- Act in a professional manner and uphold the Horniman’s Code of Conduct
- Follow and promote safe systems of work and observe health and safety regulations
- Ensure the safe use of all pesticides and other materials used under the COSHH Regulations
- Ensure the safe use of all vehicles
- Any other duties that may be required to ensure the effective running of the Gardens

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