Join the Shuttleworth Botanic Garden – A New Chapter in Horticultural Excellence
The Shuttleworth Botanic Garden is a dynamic and innovative new destination for botanical exploration and professional growth.
Whether you’re an emerging horticulturist or a seasoned expert, we invite you to become part of our evolving legacy. Discover opportunities to cultivate your career and contribute to a vibrant future in gardening.
Please contact us to register your interest or arrange a call to discuss how we could work together.
Recruitment opportunities:
Estate Gardener – Posted May 25, 2026
Contract type: Permanent – Full-time
SBG are looking to appoint a full-time estate gardener to join our existing team. The private estate in Santon has been developing over the past 14 years with several key landscape areas currently under construction. The position will suit someone who is enthusiastic about all aspects of amenity horticulture, landscape construction and the countryside with opportunities to specialise in any of the fields. SBG prefers its team members to understand sustainable development and care of the environment to enhance and protect the project.
The role needs someone who has a genuine interest to learn about plants, cultivation and can perform a wide range of basic gardening maintenance as well as operate machinery. The estate gardener will also be expected to participate in the seasonal maintenance and ongoing programme of development of SBG’s wider estate land. In addition to practical, professional gardening experience, the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply previous knowledge in supporting SBG’s targets of horticultural development, environmental awareness and care for biodiversity.
This is a great chance to get involved in a significant, long – term project with opportunities to apply and develop your knowledge and skills through participation, on-the-job training and distance learning.
Apply to andrewjinglis@outlook.com with your CV and covering letter.
Plant Recorder – Posted March 25, 2026
Contract type: Permanent – Full-time
The Shuttleworth Botanic Garden’s (SBG) primary focus is on flora from temperate biomes around the world highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the effects of climate change on plants, adaptation and resilience. We endeavour to collaborate with global partners and provide education and research opportunities encouraging dynamic thinking and the conservation of biological diversity through the Living Collection.
The role:
A Plant Recorder is needed to help with the accurate documentation and management of the Living Collection and Accession system. The successful candidate will work closely with the Science department in developing and running the botanical database to conduct and record inventories and implement taxonomic updates. This will be evident as a plant labelling system is further developed to provide essential information. The Plant Recorder will be responsible for ensuring the database is professionally presented and current. SOPs created by the Plant Recorder and Science department will support the management of the Living Collection.
The successful candidate will participate in relevant continual development, assist in staff training on the database and enable access to the data making sure that it is suitably stored and protected. They will also be expected to represent the SBG at conferences and meetings to advance SBG’s presence and network.
SBG shares research information with other institutions and the Plant Recorder needs to be well organised with an inquisitive mind and attention to detail who is expected to gather and disseminate data digitally, participate in developing digital systems and to run programs ensuring SOPs are followed. Knowledge and experience of temperate plants and horticulture will support success in this position.
The successful candidate should be qualified in a relative subject to at least HND level with a minimum of 5 years professional experience. A full UK driving licence is needed to perform all required duties.
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to become involved in developing digital systems and networks to manage a significant Living Collection, working with specialists and with a multi-disciplinary team.
A generous salary, relocation package, options to join the company pension scheme and other benefits are offered. Please apply with a cover letter and CV to andrewjinglis@outlook.com
Head of Science – Posted February 10, 2026
After over a decade of initial development, the Shuttleworth Botanic Garden is ready to recruit its plant scientists, and an inaugural Head of Science is required to lead this fundamental phase of project implementation. Our collections, landscapes and academic partnerships will require time, specialist skills and dedication. As Head of Science, you will commit to this diverse, long-term project and be at the heart of realising the vision of creating a globally recognised botanic garden in the Isle of Man. This role requires an inspirational person who can create a high-performing culture in strong teams and foster collaboration both within the organisation and with external partners.
Deadline: 31 March 2026
Location: Isle of Man, British Islands
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: Not stated