About the Placement:
Are you enthusiastic about horticulture? Have you already completed (or are studying for) a Level 2 horticultural theory qualification and have at least 3 months practical experience? Are you interested in specialising and completing a Level 3 Award to further your career?
Our Professional Work Placement programme is a one-year paid work experience placement for horticulturists who wish to specialise. Applicants should have already completed (or be studying for) a Level 2 Horticultural theory qualification or apprenticeship standard and have 3 months (minimum) practical experience in the industry at application.
The placement provides the opportunity to spend a full year immersed in a particular garden department, studying a specific group of plants, garden practice or style whilst completing a Level 3 Award. You will gain knowledge, experience, skills and training in your specialism, in a work-based context, to prepare you for professional life in the industry.
Speciality focus: to propagate a broad range of plants including some rare and unusual plants.
Who will you be working with: Edibles & Nursery Team
Which areas of the garden will you be working in: Based in the Nursery and Plant Reception Unit – but the role will also include work in the main garden.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr was the first garden in England to be awarded ‘Plant Healthy’ certification. The Nursery and Plant Reception Unit is a vital part of the site as it acts as the central hub that supports all curatorial teams by propagating material from the garden, and managing plants brought for the Garden.
This is your opportunity to learn and develop a variety of propagation skills throughout the placement year including techniques such as seed sowing, taking cuttings, air-layering, potting-up and caring for tender exotics over the winter. You will also learn how a nursery works in a large public garden from plant reception to the management of plants under glass using Integrated Pest Management (IPM), shade tunnels and outdoors.
About the RHS Level 3 Award:
During the placement you will complete horticultural research and writing culminating in achieving an RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation (funded by the RHS). Candidates completing the Level 3 qualification will be allocated a Project Supervisor who will support you and advise on the project write up. In order to achieve the qualification, you will be required to attend several online sessions (either live or recordings) over a period of 9 months, submit a project write up and complete a professional discussion.
Safeguarding and Inclusion:
The RHS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and expects all personnel to share in this commitment. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Benefits of Working for the RHS:
To work for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is to join a thriving charity, whose mission is to be there for everyone on their lifelong adventure with gardening. Everything we do is built on the transformational power of gardening – and the benefits it brings to people, places and our planet.
And we couldn’t do this without our people. We’re proud of the knowledge, enthusiasm and ideas that each one of our team members brings. From working across our social media channels, to volunteering in the RHS Gardens, from serving customers in our garden centres to running national marketing campaigns, we believe that every member of the RHS team should have the opportunity to make a difference.
Our careers portal provides a comprehensive overview of what we offer, the teams that work at the RHS and our great benefits.
You can also learn about the range of careers in horticulture by visiting or
Further Information:
You must have the right to work in the UK to apply for this role. Unfortunately, the RHS is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
As part of the Professional Work Placement programme successful applicants will study for the new RHS Level 3 Award in Horticultural Investigation qualification. To be eligible applicants must not hold or be studying for a Level 3 Diploma (or equivalent) in Horticulture or above.
Applications closing date 11th April.
For further information, or if you would like a copy of this document in a different format, please contact schoolofhorticulture@rhs.org.uk.