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.
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).
Closing date – April 5, 2024
Apprentice Horticulturist
The Apprentice Horticulturist is a training position within the Horticulture Department.
It is on a two-year fixed contract. They will rotate through the horticultural sections working alongside the Senior Horticulturists and Horticulturists to gain experience of all aspects of horticulture within a botanic garden setting. This will include propagation and nursery maintenance; maintenance of public glasshouse displays and collections; maintaining a wide range of plant material from trees to herbaceous perennials; working with a variety of horticultural machinery and contributing to the general upkeep of the site. They will get training and experience on using the plant records database provided through the Plant Records Officer.
Contract · Full Time Fixed Term Contract – Starting in September 2024
Salary · £22,308.00 per annum
Hours of work · 37.5 hours per week – 5 days out of 7 days, Monday to Sunday – Weekend/bank holiday rota is required.
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 · Ayshea Cunniffe-Thomas (Horticulture Supervisor) for an informal discussion about the role – ayshea.cunniffethomas@gardenofwales.org.uk
To apply for this role, please send a copy of CV to: Anne-Maria Nicholas – HR Manager at Anne-Maria.Nicholas@gardenofwales.org.uk.
Closing Date – 30 April, 2024
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).
Trustee (Unremunerated)
We are delighted to invite enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join the Board of Trustees at an exciting stage of the organisation’s development, including leading up to its 25th anniversary.
As a Trustee you will play a pivotal role in steering the organisation and leading its growth and shaping its direction to be a trail blazer benefiting society through its inspiring estate, science discoveries and the ways it influences people to value plants and nature and enrich their lives. We are particularly interested in hearing from people with knowledge and insight in the following areas: finance, legal, HR, and commercial development, people with a disability and other people who can bring a richer diversity of lived experience to the Board.
If you have any questions relating to the role please contact Dr Lucy Sutherland by email at
lucy.sutherland@gardenofwales.org.uk. Applications to be sent to: Anne-Maria Nicholas – HR Manager at Anne-Maria.Nicholas@gardenofwales.org.uk.
Closing Date – April 30, 2024