Full-time (35 hours), permanent, based at Dawyck Botanic Garden
Salary: £45,712 to £50,980 (pay award pending) plus generous holiday entitlement, Civil Service pension and other benefits
At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), we’re passionate about plants and their power to inspire, educate, and connect people. We’re looking for a Curator to lead the team at Dawyck Botanic Garden—one of the world’s finest arboreta, nestled in 65 acres of breathtaking woodland and burnside walks.
This is a unique opportunity to combine your horticultural expertise with leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to biodiversity and community engagement.
As Curator, you will play a central role in championing the care and cultivation of Dawyck’s living collection, using climate-conscious and biodiversity-friendly
practices. You’ll lead and inspire a small, dedicated team, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Working closely with our science, learning, and visitor teams, you’ll help create a welcoming and inclusive experience for all who visit. You’ll also represent Dawyck both locally and internationally, building strong relationships with communities and stakeholders. Importantly, you’ll contribute to shaping and delivering RBGE’s strategic goals, ensuring Dawyck continues to thrive as a place of beauty, learning, and connection.
We’re looking for someone with experience working with scientific plant collections in a botanic garden, strong leadership and communication skills, and a solid understanding of modern horticultural practices and plant conservation. You’ll bring proven project management abilities, a passion for engaging diverse audiences, and hold relevant horticultural qualifications along with a valid UK driver’s licence. Experience in budgeting, procurement, teaching, or fundraising would be an added bonus.
To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Gillian Williamson at gwilliamson@rbge.org.uk
For more information including the job description, person specification, and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date: Midday (BST) on Monday, 4 August 2025
Interview date: 14 August 2025 at Dawyck Botanic Garden
If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been shortlisted. No recruitment agencies please.
Additional support document Curator, Dawyck Botanic Garden
