Following a successful change management process and restructure of the organisation, the following key roles are currently available at the Garden which will help us grow in the future and enable us to continue our work as a key national institution dedicated to science, conservation and education.
Head of Horticulture
The role of the Head of Horticulture is central to the delivery of the Garden’s mission, and is an
ambassador for the Garden within the botanical, horticultural, heritage and education disciplines. The Head of Horticulture will ensure the management and development of the Garden and its living collections are underpinned by high quality horticultural and nursery practices. The Garden needs to make clear links between plants, people, biodiversity and Welsh heritage. This role will strengthen and expand the institution’s reputation and ensure it is clearly articulated at a local, national and international level.
Closing Date – 22 March 2024
We are a bilingual institution. We welcome applications submitted in Welsh, a supplication submitted in Welsh will not be treated any less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Please contact · Dr Lucy A. Sutherland (Director, National Botanic Garden of Wales) for a confidential discussion and to apply for this role (Tel: +44 (0)1558 667149; Email: Anne-Maria.Nicholas@gardenofwales.org.uk).
Head of Science and Biodiversity Conservation
The Head of Science and Biodiversity Conservation will ensure the management of the National Botanic Garden of Wales is underpinned by evidence-based science and is an exemplar of regenerative land management that makes clear links between plant sciences, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
The institution’s collections and research are part of a global community of botanic gardens. We have a vital role in making discoveries and providing training and knowledge transfer for the benefit
of people, wildlife and the environment. Together with universities, the Welsh Government and non-government partners, various disciplines are being brought together to make new discoveries that combat the loss of biodiversity. Key areas of work:
- Conserving Wales’ iconic plants and habitats. Biodiversity occurs at the level of the gene, species and ecosystem and we use DNA-based techniques to support conservation at all three levels.
- Using DNA metabarcoding to investigate the foraging preferences of pollinators, providing recommendations for the plants and habitat management needed to support ecosystems.
- Training the next generation of plant scientists and land managers by providing opportunities for students to learn and develop research skills.
We are a bilingual institution. We welcome applications submitted in Welsh, a supplication submitted in Welsh will not be treated any less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Please contact · Dr Lucy A. Sutherland (Director, National Botanic Garden of Wales) for a confidential discussion and to apply for this role (Tel: +44 (0)1558 667149; Email: Anne-Maria.Nicholas@gardenofwales.org.uk).
Industrial Year Science Student Placement
Our science centre overlooks the Botanic Garden and contains a fully equipped molecular lab, library and herbarium.
What is involved?
During the placement, based in the Science Department, you will work to contribute to our research aims. Your main responsibilities will include:
- Undertaking a research project (around 50% of your time) that contributes to our current research outputs, including the conservation genetics of rare Welsh plants and digitising the herbarium collections.
- Seed collecting and processing
You will work to collect, sort, and clean seed samples, contributing to the National Seed Bank of Wales collections. - Public engagement
You will have the opportunity to develop your communication and education skills by being involved in internal and external events that promote the research of the department, and giving talks to visiting groups.
For further information: Please contact Laura Jones (laura.jones@gardenofwales.org.uk).
Applications, in the form of a cover letter and CV, clearly showing how you meet the criteria below should be sent to laura.jones@gardenofwales.org.uk by 5pm on 12th February 2024.
We will also require full contact details (including email and telephone details) of TWO referees willing to provide a reference for your application. Selection from amongst the applicants is competitive and offers of interview will be limited.
Shortlisting will begin the week of the 12th of February with interviews arranged shortly after this. Interviews will be completed via Zoom.