Royal Horticultural Society
Plant Collector (From Roots to Records project)
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Plant Collector (From Roots to Records project)
Plant Collector – From Roots to Records Project (Fixed-Term)
Located in the RHS’s 1851 Royal Commission Herbarium, the UK’s largest herbarium dedicated to cultivated plants, based in the Hilltop building at Wisley, we are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Plant Collector to lead an exciting herbarium collecting programme in Devon and Cornwall’s major gardens and Plant Heritage collections.
About the Role
The RHS Herbarium specialises in dried cultivated plant specimens documented on a database. The collection comprises approximately 101,000 plant specimens and 45,000 photographic slides/prints/paintings, growing by c. 1,000 items annually.
The successful applicant will contribute to the conservation, recording, and digitisation of RHS’s internationally significant herbarium specimens as part of the From Roots to Records project, which aims to make collections accessible to researchers and the wider public. This role also supports the Cultivated Plant Diversity department.
This project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, spans two years and focuses on:
- Connecting communities to plant heritage through outreach, workshops, and public engagement.
- Diversifying the Herbarium’s collection by preserving regionally significant and culturally important plants.
- Building a legacy of knowledge on UK garden plant diversity while supporting future conservation efforts.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead an ambitious herbarium collecting programme in Devon and Cornwall, ensuring priority plants—including those at risk from climate change or culturally significant—are documented.
- Fieldwork across major gardens and Plant Heritage collections.
- Manage a part-time Herbarium Curator (Engagement) and coordinate a dedicated team of volunteers.
- Deliver public engagement activities, including workshops, talks, and events, to inspire and educate diverse audiences (e.g., school children, adult learners).
- Press and preserve plant specimens according to curatorial standards.
- Collaborate with scientific researchers to deepen understanding of plant impacts on the environment and wellbeing.
Requirements
- Proven experience in plant collecting, specimen pressing, and herbarium curation.
- Strong organisational and management skills with the ability to oversee a team.
- Confidence in public engagement, including workshop design, talks, and event delivery.
- Experience with biological collections databases (e.g., prioritisation, data management).
- Full UK driving licence (due to fieldwork requirements).
- Commitment to attend weekend events as part of the role.
- Background knowledge of cultivated plant diversity, regional flora, or garden history is advantageous.
Project Overview: From Roots to Records
This £1.99m grant-funded initiative will:
- Gather and document ~1,000 priority plants (both from RHS Garden Rosemoor and local sites), ensuring broader representation of UK garden heritage.
- Digitise specimens to make them accessible globally through research platforms and digital archives.
- Empower communities to engage in preservation efforts, building skills in plant collecting.
- Enhance public awareness of South-West plants through interactive events at RHS Rosemoor.
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Why Join the RHS?
- Meaningful impact: Work on a project that preserves UK plant heritage and fosters green communities.
- Supportive culture: A friendly, inclusive team in a thriving charity focused on gardening for people, places, and planet.
- Diverse opportunities: Contribute across research, conservation, education, and public engagement.
- Flexible benefits: Updated details here: RHS Careers Portal.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
The RHS is committed to:
- Safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion in hiring practices.
Next Steps
- Apply via the RHS website by Thursday, 23rd July 2026.
- Online interviews (Teams) scheduled for 6th & 11th August 2026 (notify availability if unavailable).
- Role expected to commence early September 2026.
Join us in celebrating garden heritage—one plant at a time.
Apply today! [Insert application link redacted]
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