Botanical Lead

Botanical Lead for new Temperate Islands Botanical Garden in the Isle of Man

A rare opportunity to lead the establishment of living collections at a new botanical garden, celebrating the biodiversity of temperate islands around the world, based in the Isle of Man, British Isles. Your passion for biodiversity, plant communities, scientific rigour and the practical operations of a living collection will find full expression in this role.

This project has been in development for 8 years with the planting of shelterbelts to create a range of micro-climates in spaces covering 100 acres. These are natural settings for designed plant communities from temperate islands and isolated areas. Each designed space is a collaboration between the estate staff, a designer focused on that area, a botanist from the region, and local contractors. The landscape will provide spaces to celebrate and research flora and habitats in a setting for public enjoyment.

Having established the master plan and physical structure of the project we now seek to appoint a Botanical Lead, reporting to the Project Director, with responsibility for plant acquisition, data recording, botanical liaison and bio-security. The successful candidate will see this as a dream opportunity, worthy of a long term commitment, to ensure that the work is of high standard and meaningful for future generations.

Our botanical lead will advance the selection, sourcing and propagation of temperate plants especially from seed. They will be the primary counterpart to botanists from around the world, for each region under study. They will take ownership of the existing Iris BG Living Collection Management database and direct future technology choices in the running of the living collection. The position requires rigorous practices and credentials but is not an academic post, it requires someone who will personally lead plant propagation, production, establishment and monitoring to ensure the progression and succession of planting on site and the safeguarding of the information gained from these processes to make certain that it is available to others for education and research.

The successful candidate will be expected to commit to this full- time position to ensure continuity and guardianship for the living collection. They should have suitable qualifications and a track record of excellence. Complete and accurate digital record keeping and attention to detail is essential. We are looking for someone personable who is able to support colleagues and to collaborate with a wide range of people.

Please send your C.V. and letter of application via the 'Apply Now'.