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 from 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.
Contract Type
Fixed Term (FTA)
Contract start date
Provisionally 6 October 2026
Contract end date
6 months from start date
Salary
£25,579 per annum [Student pay band]
Location
Kew Gardens, Richmond
Documents
- Employee benefitsRBG Kew 2024.pdf
(PDF, 279.26kb)
- Job Profile .pdf
(PDF, 128.98kb)
- Flyer - Intro to Hort at Kew.pdf
(PDF, 515.06kb)
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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 3 August 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 £25,579 per annum [Student pay band]
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”.
At Kew, our strength lies in the diversity of our people and the insights they bring. When you join us, you will find an organisation that values your perspective and lived experience. You will receive support to achieve your full potential and access opportunities to develop and progress. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is ongoing, shaped by the people who work here and the communities we serve. As a disability confident employer, we are breaking down barriers to be an inclusive workplace for everyone.
Whoever you are, and however you experience the world, there is a place for you to grow and belong at Kew.
No agencies please.
