About Us
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique attraction in south east London where global cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London.
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and enthusiastic Horticulturist to join our Gardens team. In this role, you will help maintain and develop our Gardens to the highest horticultural standards, creating innovative and engaging displays for visitors to enjoy. You will also support our apprentices and volunteers, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for both colleagues and visitors.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain and develop the Gardens, including planting schemes and displays.
- Carry out routine garden maintenance and ground care, including mowing, weeding, sweeping, and litter clearance.
- Supervise and support volunteers and apprentices in garden activities.
- Operate garden machinery and vehicles safely, following training and health and safety regulations.
- Assist with visitor enquiries and provide information about horticultural displays.
- Contribute to the safe and smooth running of the Gardens, including opening duties and ensuring compliance with site bylaws.
About You
You will have a passion for horticulture and a flair for creating imaginative plant displays. You will work well both independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal skills to engage positively with visitors, volunteers, and colleagues. You will be proactive, safety-conscious, and committed to delivering high standards in all aspects of garden care and visitor experience.
Key Qualities, Skills, and Experience
- A minimum qualification of RHS Level 2 Diploma in horticulture (or equivalent) or equivalent vocational experience.
- Significant practical experience in horticulture, ideally within public parks or gardens.
- Knowledge of plants and horticultural techniques, as well as routine garden maintenance.
- Experience with horticultural machinery and tools.
- Ability to supervise apprentices and volunteers (desirable).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a positive approach to visitor engagement.
- Commitment to health and safety, equality, and diversity.
- Basic IT skills.
- Willingness to work flexibly, including early mornings and occasional Saturdays.
The closing date for completed applications is 10am on 5 September 2025. Interviews will be held on 19 September 2025.
The Horniman is an equal opportunities employer and we value and celebrate diversity. We want to better represent the communities in which we work but recognise that there is still much work to do in this area. We welcome and encourage all applicants and particularly encourage you to apply if you are from a community that is often disadvantaged by society or of minority background.
The Horniman Museum and Gardens is a unique attraction in south east London where world cultures and the natural world are brought together for everyone to enjoy. The Museum holds internationally important collections of anthropology and musical instruments, as well as a popular natural history gallery and Aquarium. The 16 acres of beautiful Gardens feature a tropical Butterfly House and offer stunning views across London. The Horniman is the holder of the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022.
Employee Assistance Programme
The Horniman has a confidential Employee's wellbeing service.
Free reciprocal entry to NMDC (National Museum Directors Council) member’s sites
You may have a free family ticket for our “paid for” exhibitions and visit exhibitions at a number of other museums for free when displaying your staff ID card.
Edenred
This is a benefit scheme open to all staff. You can choose from a range of discounts including shopping, days out and holidays.
