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.
Speciality focus: To develop and maintain specialist Alpine plants and associated plant collections.
Who will you be working with: The Alpine & Streamside Team
Which areas of the garden will you be working in: The Alpine Zone at RHS Harlow Carr sits at the heart of the site and has inspired visitors for many years. It consists of an Alpine display glasshouse, stock houses and Alpine reception unit
Throughout this placement you will work within the Alpine and Streamside Team to gain knowledge, skills, training and experience of Alpines in the work-based context to prepare you for professional life in the industry.
As part of the team you will learn about specialist growing techniques along with maintenance tasks to grow alpines all year round. You will also gain experience by helping to propagate specialist plants and practice good plant health whilst learning how manage a plant reception unit in accordance with ‘Plant Healthy’ certification.
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.